February is a month that is usually associated with spring. However, if you are gardening, you can take advantage of the mild weather by doing some pruning, sowing, or cleaning. It is also a good time to listen to the birds chirping outside. In fact, you may even notice that the bird population increases during this time of year.
Planting
February is a great time to get your hands dirty in the garden. This month is a great opportunity to prune and reshape your perennial beds, carve out a new garden bed, and fertilize. Whether you are an expert or novice, you will be rewarded for your hard work.
It is a good idea to do your research before you begin. You will find that you will need to pay attention to the weather, the soil and the plant itself. Once you have completed these tasks, you will be well on your way to an impressive yard. For a beginner, a backyard garden is not only fun, it can also help you learn more about the environment and the food you eat.
The best place to start is with a basic garden map. The layout should have space for a few rows of a variety of crops. You can choose from a number of interesting combinations such as arugula, kale, carrots, celery, parsley, broccoli, beets, chard, cilantro, radishes, and kohlrabi.
Pruning
Pruning in gardening in February is a good time to prune fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials. This is because it helps to maintain the foliage and shape of the plant. If you are pruning your shrubs, you should make sure to prune them with the right tools. Using sharp tools makes for clean cuts, and less damage to the plant.
When pruning in gardening in February, you may want to use gloves and a work boot to keep your hands warm. Sharp pruning tools will also make the job easier. Using a lopper can be helpful when you are cutting thick stems.
You may want to trim some of the ornamental grasses in your garden. These should be cut back about a couple inches above the ground.
Cleaning tools
Having clean gardening tools is important in order to keep your plants healthy. Dirt, rust, and sap on your tools can be harmful to plants. Also, if you don’t disinfect your tools, bacteria, fungus, and viruses can get into the soil and spread throughout the garden.
Before you store your tools away for winter, it’s important to thoroughly wash and sanitize them. This is especially important if you have diseased plants in your garden.
For older tools, you may need to soak them in a solution of warm water and soap. A wire brush is also helpful for removing stubborn debris. Then, dry them in the sun. If they are a little sticky, you can wipe them with a solution of rubbing alcohol or turpentine.
Birdsong increases in the garden during the daybreak
The best time to enjoy bird song in the garden is early in the morning. Ideally, aim to be at the ready at 5 am. In fact, birds are already up, with a few of the earliest movers and shakers making an appearance.
There are a number of species that are notable for their early morning songs, so a bit of research is in order before stepping outside. These include the house finch, the blackbird, and the wren.
Aside from its obvious use as a food source, insects are a natural source of food for bees, butterflies and other critters. They are also a source of light. As the day progresses, the sun pokes through the clouds and injects life into the garden.
Sowing sweet peas
Sweet peas are one of the most popular annuals. They come in many varieties, each with different patterns, colours and fragrances. Their delicate flowers are very beautiful and fill the garden with a sweet scent.
Sweet peas can be grown in the ground or in pots. Depending on the type of sweet pea, they can grow up to eight feet tall. In the garden, they’re best planted in a sunny location, preferably in a light dappled shade.
Sweet peas should be watered regularly. If they dry out, their roots will not have a chance to develop. To keep the soil moist, mulch the bed to keep the roots cool and moist.
The ideal time to sow sweet peas is in December or January. These months are cool enough for them to germinate.