February is the month that I always considered as the time to get started! There is much that can be done in the garden, and this is the time to begin. In February, we almost always have what I call a ‘weather window’, a period of a few days or perhaps even a week of pleasant weather. Some gardeners refer to this as a ‘false spring’ because it can be deceiving. It may seem like spring, but be aware that it is not, and the danger of frost is not over. Nevertheless, there are many tasks awaiting us in the garden.
Here Are Some Garden Tips for the Month
Prune Roses
February is the traditional month to prune roses. Modern roses like hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, can all be pruned at this time. Make sure that your pruning shears are sharp and wear a pair of leather gloves with a sleeve, (remember roses do have thorns!). Check your rose bushes for any canes that look diseased, unhealthy, or have crossed over other canes, and remove these and any small twigs. Select 4-7 strong canes and cut these back to about 18 inches from the soil level. Remove the balance of the canes. This may seem severe, but you will be rewarded with strong stems and an abundance of flowers when roses begin to flower, usually mid to late May, early June.
Zenport, 1" Classic Pruner
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Corona, 8.75" Heavy-Duty Bypass Pruner
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Zenport Industries, Leather Pruner Sheath with Belt Loop & Metal Clip, HJ261
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
American Glove, Bamboo Gardener with Natural Rubber Palm Gloves, BBG C5301
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Rhubarb
While rhubarb is usually planted in the vegetable garden, some rhubarb plants have showy enough foliage to warrant a place in a perennial garden bed. Rhubarb is easy to grow, and this is the time of year to plant root clumps or divisions. Pick a sunny location and select a place where the large, crinkled leaves can be seen. Some varieties such as ‘Crimson Red’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Crimson Cherry’, have red stalks which makes the plants quite attractive. Don’t expect to harvest the first year, give the plant a year or two to get established before cutting stalks. If you have a plant in your garden that is 5-6 years old and production is declining, it is probably time to divide it.
Sweet Peas
This is the time to plant seeds of sweet peas. Sweet peas have been a popular spring blooming flower for many years. They may be considered as ‘old-fashioned’, but in reality, they have never gone out of fashion. Sweet peas are known for their long blooming season, their fragrance, the large variety of colors, and their popularity as a cut flower. There are bush forms but, in most gardens, I see the vining types. Being a vine, they will need some support. The seed coat is quite hard and I like to soak the seeds overnight in water before planting because this will speed germination. The emerging stems of sweet peas in the ground are a favorite snack of many birds. Cover the area with wire or plastic mesh until plants become established.
Garden Peas
Whether your pea choice is shelling peas, snap peas, or snow peas, this is the time to plant seeds. Check the seed racks because there are dwarf and vining varieties of all three. Peas are very easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly in the ground. As with sweet peas, the newly emerging sprouts are a favorite of birds, so give them some protection until plants are established. Peas are a good seed to introduce young gardeners to because the seeds are large enough for small hands and fingers to handle and they germinate quickly.
Slugs
Slugs like to munch on new growth and in early spring, the slugs may be small and not easily visible, but be aware of the damage they can cause and take appropriate control measures.
Corry's Slug & Snail Killer, 3.5 lb.
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Corry's 100511481 Slug and Snail Killer, 6 lb
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Sluggo, Plus Slug & Snail Killer, 2.5 lb
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Bonide, Captain Jack's Bug & Slug Killer Bait
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Gonzo Copper Stopper Slug and Snail Barrier Tape 30ft Roll
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Moles & Gophers
Both moles and gophers can cause havoc in the garden. This is a good time control them with traps. To tell the difference, moles make mounds and tend to be more prevalent in suburban gardens. They are after insects and earthworms, and do not eat roots, but their mound making can uproot plants. Gophers do eat roots and can cause major damage to gardens. Know which you have, moles or gophers, because the traps are different for the two.
Victor Quick Strike Mole & Gopher Gasser 4pk
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Bonide, Molemax Mole & Vole Repellent Granules, 10 lb
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Yard Butler Gopher & Mole Bait Applicator, 37-In.
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Motomco Gopher Bait 1lb
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Winter Damage
We have had some high winds in our area and many branches from trees have been scattered throughout my garden. Check plants for any damage and remove any branches that are broken and may be still hanging in the trees.
Forsythia
If you have Forsythia plants and see flower buds that are swelling and showing a tinge of color, cut some of the branches and bring them inside for some winter color.
Even though there are many garden tasks in the February garden, keep in mind that the garden is meant to be enjoyed and it should be a peaceful place to go. Always take time to find some enjoyment amid all the new plants emerging from the soil and the buds swelling on the trees and shrubs. A new season is beginning!
MIKE’S GARDEN IS LOCATED IN OREGON’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND HIS ADVICE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE MILD CLIMATE THERE.
We would love to see your garden projects, use #mywilcolife on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag Wilco Stores.
