February in Texas is a transitional month for gardening. The weather can be unpredictable, swinging between cold snaps and mild, sunny days. This makes it essential to focus on early planting and frost protection to ensure a thriving garden in spring. Whether you’re managing flower beds, prepping vegetable plots, or nurturing your lawn, February is a busy and rewarding month in the garden.
Here’s a guide to help you make the most of this month’s gardening opportunities:
Planting
Beds: Start by preparing your garden beds. Remove weeds and old turf, and enrich the soil with organic matter. Tilling helps create the ideal environment for new plants.
Perennials: Add beauty to your garden by planting spring and summer-blooming perennials like canna, daylilies, daisies, and blue phlox.
Transplants: Continue planting and dividing perennials to fill in gaps and rejuvenate your garden. Early February is also a good time to transplant roses and shrubs for healthy root development.
Bulbs: If you’re in South Texas, plant gladiolus bulbs now. In North Texas, aim for mid-to-late February.
Fruit Trees: February is ideal for planting fruit trees—just ensure the soil can be worked. Proper drainage and spacing are key.
Groundcovers: Add groundcovers in shady spots and water deeply to help them establish.
South Texas Tips: Adventurous gardeners can plant young tomato transplants early in the month, but be ready to protect them from frost.
Pruning
Lawns: Mow overseeded lawns as needed.
Perennials: Cut back dead portions to encourage fresh growth.
Groundcovers: Shear back groundcovers every 2-3 years to rejuvenate their appearance.
Bulbs: Remove foliage and mulch damaged by frost.
Ornamental Grasses: Trim ornamental grasses to a few inches above the soil by mid-February.
Roses: Complete your rose pruning by mid-February for healthy blooms later.
Fertilizing
Perennials: Fertilize actively growing perennials in late February, especially in South Texas.
Bulbs: Apply slow-release granular fertilizer to spring bulbs like Louisiana iris and calla lilies.
Lawns: Fertilize overseeded lawns as they begin to green up, and water immediately afterward.
Vegetables: Use high-nitrogen fertilizers on cool-season veggies like kale, cabbage, and spinach.
Shrubs: Hold off fertilizing most shrubs unless you’re in South Texas, where winters are mild.
Amendments for Soil Health
Compost: Enrich your garden soil with organic matter to improve structure and fertility.
Mulch: Apply mulch around flowerbeds to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Lime or Sulfur: Adjust soil pH as needed for optimal plant health.
Lawns: Aerate compacted lawns later in the month and apply a thin layer of compost or topsoil for improved health.
Weed and Pest Control
Prevent weed growth in lawns and keep an eye out for pests, especially after mild winters.
Watch for scale insects and spray affected plants with horticultural oil.
Treat cool-season veggies for pests like caterpillars or slugs, and address any fungal issues promptly.
Irrigation Tips
Water newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials regularly to help them establish.
Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering garden beds and roses.
• Water shrubs before expected freezes if the ground is dry to protect them from cold damage.
Other Tips for February Gardening
Cover plants as needed to protect them from cold spells.
Begin planning your warm-season flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Texas’ February weather can vary from very cold to pleasantly warm—keep an eye on local conditions and be ready to adapt your gardening plans.
February is a month of opportunity in the Texas garden. By focusing on preparation, planting, and protection, you’ll set the stage for a flourishing garden throughout the spring and summer.
Contact DrewGreen Landscapes if you need help with your landscaping and gardening needs:
Call or Text (832) 835-6692
Happy gardening!
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