As every nurseryman knows , February is a semisweet month . Yearning to be outside while the garden is dormant and often snow covered can be depressing for those who pass most of the yr outside . However , February also provides a welcome break to catch up on tasks that the busy season does not allow time to accomplish .

Prune your dormant trees and shrubs . When these deciduous works lack foliage , their frames can be clear see . fifth wheel can be remove from any Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or bush ; when pruning for shape , bush flower on new Grant Wood can be pruned now . For those anthesis on old Grant Wood , wait to prune until after they blossom . For more information on how to prune trees and shrub , see ourPruning Tips and Techniquescollection .

place your vegetable seeds . March is just around the corner , and so it ’s time tostart annual and vegetable seed . Get the seed catalogs out and start patronize . This a great clock time to dream about all the raw plants that can be lend to the garden . Select SeedsandFloretare great sources for heirloom slue flowers . Johnny ’s Selected Seeds , Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds , andHappy Cat Farmare excellent sources for heirloom vegetable seeds .

Article image

Make a wish list of supply . Take stock-taking of your tool , pots , plant life interest , and seed - starting supplying , and make a list of what you need or want this leap . Need some inspiration ? record onhere . demand a compost bin ? Shop around , or if you are feeling motivated , regain program to progress your own . After finding what you involve , organise your potting shed or garage and you ’ll be quick to go for leaping .

Plan change to make to your garden . Take a walking around your wintertime garden and take some notes . A garden daybook is a great cock to salvage those garden ideas that you might forget by the fourth dimension spring is in full baseball swing . What can you add for morewinter interest ? What would you like to see in bound and summertime ? Even if you are not a landscape designer , making a scratchy study of your garden will provide a visual for any editing that can be done or outer space that can be fill up .

Take a social class or shop . Attending a conference , class , workshop , or webinar in person or online is a wonderful way to get invigorate and mesh with fellow plantspeople during the winter month . Many public gardens and garden associations have a variety of continuing didactics course of study . In the Mid - Atlantic region , botanic garden such asLongwood Gardensin Kennett Square , Pennsylvania , Mt. Cuba Centerin Hockessin , Delaware , andMorris Arboretumin Philadelphia have wonderful continuing education program with a orotund pick of classes and workshop . TheAPGA ( American Public Gardens Association)is also a great resource for finding local classes .

Article image

Although winter slow casual activeness in the garden , there are still many way to keep your thumb green in February . While not always physically in the garden , these activities will keep you think about the next gardening time of year .

— Michele Christiano is a horticulture assistant at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square , Pennsylvania .

Fine Gardening Recommended product

Article image

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Hedge Trimmer , Cordless , 24 - column inch Blade , Battery and Charger Included ( LHT2436 )

Fine Gardening receives a commission for item purchased through links on this web site , admit Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs .

SHOWA Atlas 370B Nitrile Palm Coating Gloves , Black , Medium ( Pack of 12 Pairs )

Article image

DeWit Spork with Solid Socket

Get our a la mode top , how - to article , and instructional video send to your inbox .

Signing you up …

Article image

Northwest: February Garden To-Do List

Southeast: February Garden To-Do List

South: February Garden To-Do List

Mountain West February Garden To-Do List

fall in Fine Gardening for a gratis engaging live webinar sport Dr. Janna Beckerman , a illustrious plant diagnostician as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals expert manager …

When I spotted a particular sand dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I cognize I was in trouble . With a delightful color pattern …

When we only prioritize plant we desire over plants our landscape painting needs , each season is filled with a never - terminate listing of chores : pruning , pinching , watering , treating , amending , and fertilizing , with …

Article image

Subscribe today and save up to 47%

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be measured when you enter the backyard of garden graphic designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bombed by a dyad …

4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden

Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill

Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage

4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard

All Access member get more

Sign up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional contentedness , plus the rest of the member - only subject matter library .

Start Free Trial

Article image

Look out for a few trees and shrubs in bloom this month, like ‘Jelena’ witch hazel (Hamamelisxintermedia‘Jelena’, Zones 5-8).Photo: Jennifer Benner

Get complete site accession to expert advice , regional content , and more , plus the print magazine .

Start your FREE trial

Already a member?enter

Pinky Winky® panicle hydrangea

Prune dormant shrubs, like this Pinky Winky®panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata, ‘DVP Pinky’, Zones 3–8).Photo: Michele Christiano

happy cat farm seeds

Order your veggie seeds now for the best selection.Photo: Amy Bloom

garden tools

Go through your leftover materials from last year and your tools to see if any additions or replacements need to be made.Photo: Danielle Sherry

garden planning

Making even a rudimentary sketch of your garden can help you visualize the changes you’d like to make.Photo: Michele Christiano

Article image

Winter is prime time for symposia and other garden events.Photo: Danielle Sherry

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Magazine Cover

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image