Extension for Real Life Blog

Gardening Tasks for February

Video by Michaela Parker and Jonah Holland

It may be chilly outside, but don’t let that deter you from going outside and working in your garden and landscape. Grab a jacket and your gardening tools, there is plenty to be done during February! 

1. February is a great time to plant shrubs, trees, and annuals in your yard. Most nurseries have a good selection to choose from this time of year. If you’re looking to add color to your landscape, now is the time to plant annuals like pansies, snapdragons, Swiss chard and English daises. Remember to plant in masses to get a powerful effect!
2. Now is a great time to plant cool season vegetables in your garden. Broccoli, cauliflower, onion, English peas and carrots are great options! Learn everything you need to know about vegetable gardening in Extension Publication 1091, “The Garden Tabloid.”
3. If you’ve been wanting to transplant or move dormant shrubs, this is the time to do so. Be sure do save as much of the root ball as possible! Be sure to check out our latest Southern Gardening post on how to transplant shrubs.
4. Prune. Prune. Prune. Fruit trees and most ornamentals should be pruned in late February. If you have spring flowering shrubs that need pruning, wait to do that until after they finish blooming. Extension Publication 204, “Pruning Landscape Plants” is a great resource to learn how to properly prune.

For a full list of tasks to complete in your garden and landscape, check out our Master Gardener Garden Calendar. 

Happy gardening! 

Blog Topics