While the winter chill may have many gardeners dreaming of spring, a seasoned Master Gardener is here to remind us that there's plenty to do in the garden even as the mercury dips. In the latest installment of the "Ask a Master Gardener" column, horticulture expert Dhruba Dhakal lays out a wealth of gardening tasks that can and should be tackled in the month of February.
Seed Starting and Plant Propagation
One of the key recommendations from Dhakal is to start seeds for many annual flowers like ageratum, petunias, and impatiens indoors by mid-month. "For more information, see the MU Extension guide on starting plants indoors," he advises. Dhakal also suggests taking cuttings from coleus, begonia, geranium, and succulents, pointing readers to the MU guide on home propagation.
Pruning and Maintenance
February is also an ideal time to finish up any major pruning of woody ornamentals, Dhakal notes. "For more information, see the MU Extension guide on pruning shade trees and the guide on pruning ornamental shrubs," he recommends.
Caring for Houseplants
Indoor gardeners aren't left out either. Dhakal suggests extending the life of Valentine's Day flowers by re-cutting the stems underwater and removing any foliage that would sit in water. He also advises air-layering certain houseplants like dieffenbachia and rubber trees, pointing readers to the MU guide on home propagation for details.
The Bigger Picture
What this really means is that the gardening season doesn't have to grind to a halt just because the temperatures have dropped. By taking advantage of February's unique opportunities, green thumbs can get a head start on spring and ensure their gardens are primed for success when the warmer weather arrives. As Dhakal puts it, "Happy gardening!"