Gardening To Do List for February - Big Y® World Class Market®

INDOORS

Start slow-growing annuals and spring and summer perennials in sterilized potting soil in flats or jiffy pots during late February. Set out of direct light and keep covered and evenly moist until germination. Then uncover and move into bright light or fluorescent light for further growth.
Zone 6: Sow cool-season vegetables such as cabbage family, celeriac, celery, and leaks in flats or jiffy pots.
Order bare-root shrubs and trees to plant as soon as ground is friable(frost-free and not soggy). For spring planting, order evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and vines grown in northern nurseries to ensure hardiness.
Order flower, vegetable and herb seeds.

CHORES AND MAINTENANCE

Cover rhubarb with barrel to promote early crop.
Have garden soil tested for nutrient content. Your local county extension office has a list of testing laboratories.
Sharpen, clean, and oil tools and lawn mowers; clean spray equipment; inventory leftover supplies.
Wash and scrub pots and flats used for seedlings.
Make a cold frame or hotbed to sort early vegetable or flowers.

OUTDOORS

Snow and ice prevail.

WINTER PLANT PROTECTION

Check protective screening and mulches; loosen if matted by snow.

Check plant stakes and ties; loosen guy wires in danger of strangling trunks.

Check depth of snow against height of tree guards set against gnawing rodents.

Water broadleaf and needle evergreens during thaw; wash well to combat insects and dust in dry areas.

TOOL TIP

When you need to remove the entire root of perennial weeds, use a weeding fork designed to work the top 6 inches of a bed. It's also good for cultivating soil and aerations, especially between close

PLANNING

Plan spring and summer landscape changes. Consult a garden designer or contractor; study books and catalogs. Use the "Garden Design Workbook" from Fulcrum Publishing to keep track of your evolving landscape from year to year.
Plan your summer vegetable and herb gardens.
Now's the time to place orders from mail-order catalogs.