For some of you, it might be another bleak month when it comes to gardening. For those of us in milder climates, though, the end of the month really kicks off the beginning of dirt under the fingernails and fresh air intake. Thank goodness too, because I have A LOT of work to do in this new yard.
Seeds to Start Indoors in February
There is still time to start artichokes, leeks, and onions for an early spring crop. You can also start some of your slower growing herbs, like sage. I did most of these last month, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. I’ll also be starting tomatoes, oregano and rosemary.
Seeds to Start Outdoors in February
Still too cold to start seeds outdoors. 🙁
What I Plan to Transplant Outside this Month
My blueberry bushes, strawberry plants and raspberry canes should arrive later this month, so I will be transplanting them outside as soon as they do.
Vegetables to Harvest this Month
The only thing I’ll be harvesting this month are sprouts from my Botanical Interests Sprouter.
Houseplants and Indoor Bulbs Maintenance
You still have time to force some bulbs indoors {think: daffodils, tulips} to add a little color to your early spring. Houseplants still require very little right now. Make sure they are getting adequate light in all this grayness, water them less than you would in the summer months, and check them for dust. If they do have dust, you may want to rinse them off a bit, so they don’t get bugs.
Basic Yard Maintenance
Keeping in mind that this is all location specific, but here in the west, toward the end of the month, it’s time to trim up butterfly bushes. You can also trim hedges and trees this month, if weather allows–especially fruit trees, which benefit from being pruned while they are still dormant. If you have cooked compost all winter, now is a good time to spread it out across the garden beds-that way it’s not so hot when you go to plant your spring garden.
Home Maintenance Outside
Two tiles fell off of our roof during the last windstorm. Luckily the previous owners left some extra tiles behind so I won’t have to buy any. I will have to pay a repair man to install them, though {unless I can convince the HH to climb up on the roof}. I don’t plan on doing anything much more major than that this month. I am basically just sticking to necessary repairs.
Home Maintenance Inside
If you are on a plan to simplify your life, continue de-cluttering the inside this month. If you have finished your January pact to organize and de-clutter, you can relax a bit. Check your furnace filter, it’s been working hard all winter and may need to be replaced {if you haven’t done it recently}. Now is also a good time to vacuum out all of the return vents, and clean off ceiling fans that have been sitting idle and collecting dust.
As always, most of my advice is geared around the Northwest, but you can find your garden zone HERE and tweak my suggestions as necessary.
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karen says
Years ago our outdoor coach lights were starting to look quite weathered. We shopped for new lights but didn’t find anything that we liked, so we spray painted the old lights and put them back up. Now, several years later, they still look good. I only wish that i had thought to spray some indoor lights before we replaced them!
Lisa says
I live in the Pacific Northwest and plant my peas in February.
Lisa says
I meant to say that by the time they come up the worst cold is over. They germinate so slowly I usually dig around looking for them!
christy says
Hi there! I also live in GH and want some new blueberry bushes. Which ones did you buy from raintree? Also, which strawberry plants? I thought I seen it on here a few days ago but now I can’t find it. 🙁 Thanks!
Mavis Butterfield says
Hi Christy Here is the link to the post –> http://www.stage.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/ordering-fruit-bushes-and-vegetable-seeds-for-my-2015-garden/