In the Garden: february planning & planting

In the Garden

February planning & planting

By Ray Mikula

February is for planning and planting. In the cold months, when it's hard to get outside, there is much to do to insure a beautiful and productive garden. First comes planning. What has worked in the past for you? Did your flowers you planted grow well in some places and poorly in others? Make sure you don't repeat your mistakes. Some spots have more sun and some more shade and that can make all the difference depending on the plants. The sun amount marked on the tag is a general recommendation but can differ with the climate. Sometimes in hot climates plants appreciate a little more shade. So look at your old photos or remember where things did their best.

At this time of year, with the leaves off the trees, you might find an area that you would like to screen from a nosey neighbor or something bright to add to a barren l a n d s c a p e . Evergreen plants can block the wind or someone's view and look great against the snow. You can also plan the vegetable garden and think about new flowers you might like to try. Seed catalogues are a good place to start. The varieties of vegetables and flowering plants are amazing. Order your seeds now and get ready to start them indoors. The directions are usually on the packet and some may need to be started as early as February and March. I bought a pack of Foxglove seeds for $6 and got about 60 plants. They can sell for more than $10 each in the summer. You can also find brand new varieties that won't even show up at your local nurseries.

The weather can sometimes break and give some 50 and 60 degree days in February which is perfect for going after the spring weeds before they get big. The ground is moist from melted snow and weeds will lift easily from our clay soil.

I also like to learn a few things new and the early spring time is when many organizations have their symposiums. With expert speakers from around the country willing to share share their secrets and answer your questions, it is the perfect time to get the information you need to get your yard looking its best. This year, the Master Gardener Association of the Rappahannock Area will have a Garden Symposium with the theme "Made for the Shade" on April 2nd at Gari Melchers Home and Studio. The topics will cover shade tolerant lawns, plants, and gardens. For more info, go to MGACRA.org.

Finally, if you still have your Poinsettias from Christmas and you want to keep them grow-i ing, now is the time to transplant them to larger pots. In April you can get them outside for the summer then bring them in around October. Put them in a room with sun where you don't go at night. They will set buds and flower for Christmas. Till the next time, Happy Gardening.

RayMikula is a Master Gardener. He has several acres of garden space & has been gardening for 62 years. Before retiring Ray was a Earth Science & Astronomy Teacher

Master Gardener Association Rappahannock Area Garden Symposium April 2nd Gari Melchers Home and Studio.

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