Spring officially begins on March 20th… We’re getting there! While it’s not time to start planting summer crops, preparing your garden for spring planting is key. Thanks to our horticultural experts at B.B. Barns, here are your February yard and garden goals to ensure a productive growing season ahead.
1. Vegetable Gardens
Mark Your Calendar: When to Plant
Now is the time to plan your spring vegetable garden. Use the WNC Planting Calendar for Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs to determine the best planting dates for your region.
Soil Preparation & Testing
Before planting, test your soil to determine its nutrient needs. If you’re here in North Carolina, here’s how to get a soil test
- Amend Your Soil: Based on your test results, add soil amendments like compost, lime, or organic fertilizers.
- Need help choosing the proper amendments? The experts at B.B. Barns can help! We carry Daddy Pete’s and Espoma products to improve soil health.
Start Cool-Season Crops
- Indoors: Start broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seeds inside. Learn more about starting seeds indoors.
- Outdoors: You can direct sow these cold-hardy crops now:
- English peas, onions, Irish potatoes
- Radishes, rutabagas, spinach, kale, turnips, carrots
- Cool-season vegetable transplants will start arriving in stores soon!
2. Fertilizing & Weed Prevention
- Fertilize trees, shrubs, and emerging bulbs in February or March.
- Use Espoma Holly-tone for acid-loving plants like azaleas & rhododendrons.
- Use Espoma Bio-tone for neutral soil plants.
- Apply pre-emergents: Start spreading pre-emergents mid-February to control weeds before they sprout.
3. Lawn Care
Follow our WNC Lawn Care Calendar for February lawn maintenance tasks based on your grass type. This month, tasks include:
- Mow winter weeds in order to prevent weeds.
- Just like with trees, shrubs and bulbs, apply pre-emergent herbicides mid month for crabgrass control; avoid using this if you’re overseeding.
4. Pruning Guide
Pruning is a primary focus this month. Use this Pruning Calendar from the N.C. Cooperative Extension for detailed instructions.
What to Prune Now:
- Fruit Trees & Bushes: Apples, peaches, blueberries, and grapevines.
- Dormant Trees & Evergreens: Prune deciduous shade trees while dormant.
- Summer-Blooming Shrubs: Prune ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), crape myrtles, butterfly bush, and Rose of Sharon.
What Not to Prune:
- Spring-Blooming Shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs, climbing roses): Wait until after they bloom.
- Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): They bloom on old wood!
Pro Tip: Not sure if your plant blooms on old or new wood? Check the Proven Winner’s Plant Guide to Pruning. If unsure, wait until after it blooms!
5. Transplanting Perennials
Follow this rule of thumb:
- Spring & early summer bloomers → Transplant in fall.
- Late summer & fall bloomers → Transplant in spring.
- Wait until new growth appears before transplanting!
6. Mulching
- Mulch now before perennials emerge—it’s easier than trying to work around new growth.
- Need tips on mulching? Check out our Mulching Guide.
7. Clean-Up Tasks
- Rake out old leaves and debris.
- Pick up sticks and twigs.
- Cut back dried perennials from last year.
- Remove invasive plants like ivy, privet, and bittersweet vines before they take over.
8. Miscellaneous Chores
- Cut back last year’s hellebore leaves. Learn why you need hellebores.
- Plant primrose – These early bloomers are great perennials.
- Clean & repair garden structures – Now’s the time to fix fences, patios, and rock walls.
- Prepare for the birding season:
- Clean out bluebird boxes.
- Wash and refill bird feeders.
Preparing For the Fun…
February’s yard and garden goals are about preparing for spring, and anticipation is half the fun! Take time now to get organized, and your garden will be ready to thrive when the warmer months arrive.
