February is a transitional month in USDA Zone 5, offering gardeners the chance to prepare for the upcoming growing season. With winter still in full swing, this is the ideal time to focus on planning, maintenance, and preparation to ensure a thriving garden in the months ahead.  The weather in the Chicago-land area can fluctuate from extreme cold to moderate above freezing temperatures. There can be complete snow coverage or none at all. These are conditions that can test the fortitude of gardeners AND their landscape plants. 

Follow this list of tasks to keep busy when you can not work in the garden; and, tasks that can help you and your garden get ready for Spring when you can get outside. 

General Garden Maintenance

• Inspect Tools and Equipment
• Disinfect tools with a 10% bleach solution to prevent disease spread.
• Sharpen blades of pruners, loppers, and shovels to improve efficiency.   
• Disinfect tools with a 10% bleach solution to prevent disease spread.
• Sharpen blades of pruners, loppers, and shovels to improve efficiency. 
• Check wooden tool handles for splinters and apply linseed oil to protect them from cracking
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• Plan Garden Layouts

• Use crop rotation principles for vegetable gardens to reduce soil-borne diseases. 
• Incorporate companion planting strategies to maximize space and improve plant health. 
• Account for sun exposure, soil type, and drainage in each garden area.

Indoor Gardening Tasks

Care for Indoor Plants

• Rotate plants weekly to ensure even light exposure. 
• Check pot drainage to avoid root rot and repot if necessary. 
• Use a humidifier or pebble trays to counteract dry indoor air.

Start Seeds Indoors

• Use sterile seed-starting mix to prevent fungal diseases. 
• Label trays with plant names and sowing dates for organization. 
• Monitor soil moisture daily, keeping it evenly moist but not waterlogged

Pruning And Tree Care

Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

• Focus on removing suckers and water sprouts to direct energy to main branches. 
• Cut at an angle just above a healthy bud to encourage proper healing. 
• Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs to preserve their flower buds.

Examine Evergreens

• Remove broken or damaged branches with clean cuts. 
• Inspect trees for signs of winter burn and apply anti-desiccant spray if needed. 
• Water evergreens during thaws if the ground is dry.

Landscape Preparation

Clear Debris

• Remove matted leaves that can smother new growth. 
• Compost organic debris if free from disease or pests. 
• Dispose of any materials that harbor pests, such as infested wood.

Inspect for Winter Damage

• Look for frost cracks on tree trunks and wrap with tree guards if necessary. 
• Check mulch layers around perennials, adding more to protect roots if needed.

Wildlife and Pollinator Support

Provide Food and Water

• Refill feeders with high-energy foods like suet and black oil sunflower seeds. 
• Use a heated birdbath to provide water during freezing conditions.
• Place nesting boxes to support early-season bird activity.

Soil and Fertilizer Prep

Test Soil pH

• Use samples from multiple locations in the garden for accuracy. 
• Adjust pH with lime for acidic soils or sulfur for alkaline soils based on test results.

Plan Soil Amendments

• Order compost, aged manure, or leaf mold for spring applications. 
• Research cover crop options to suppress weeds and enrich soil nutrients.

Vegetable and Herb Garden Prep

Organize Seeds

• Check expiration dates and germination rates of leftover seeds. 
• Store seeds in a cool, dry place to maintain viability. 
• Order heirloom varieties for diversity and flavor.

Set Up Indoor Growing Spaces

• Sanitize seed trays and pots to eliminate disease risks. 
• Arrange grow lights on adjustable stands to accommodate plant growth. 
• Install a heat mat to maintain an optimal germination temperature of 65°F–75°F.

Ornamental Garden Prep

Plan Spring Plantings

• Choose perennials that support pollinators, such as bee balm and coneflowers. 
• Select early-blooming annuals like pansies and snapdragons for color. 
• Consider drought-tolerant plants for low-maintenance areas.

Inspect Stored Bulbs

• Remove any soft, moldy, or shriveled bulbs to prevent contamination. 
• Rehydrate bulbs that appear dry by placing them in slightly damp peat moss. 
• Ensure bulbs are stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.

Happy February! Even though it is cold, the days are getting longer and longer. We will be back in our gardens enjoying the bloom of Witchhazel shrubs before the end of the month.