February Gardening To-Do List 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 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. Jennifer Brennan Chalet Horticulturist 

Being able to pick a fresh lemon off a tree in your home or garden is not just a dream. We have outlined the best citrus plants to use for container grown plants that move outside during the summer growing season; and back indoors for the winter. It is not difficult when you understand the few requirements – mostly a source of bright light, proper watering and regular fertilizing. Pick your favorite and start the new year with a fun project. Why Grow Citrus in Zone 5? Benefits Fresh, homegrown citrus fruit.  Decorative evergreen foliage and fragrant blossoms.  Suitable for indoor and container gardening. Challenges:  Cold temperatures limit outdoor planting.  Requires frost protection and proper care indoors.   Top Citrus Cultivars for Our Area Lemon Varieties Lemon, Citrus limon Meyer Lemon & Improved Meyer Lemon Lime Varieties Bearrs Seedless Lime or Persian Lime, Citrus latifolia Key-lime, Citrus aurantifolia Kieffer Lime, Citrus hystrix Other Citrus Varieties Orange, Citrus sinenesis Tangerine, Citrus reticulata Calamondin, Citris x citrofortunella mitis (a hybrid cross between a tangerine and a Nagami kumquat) Kumquat, Citrus japonica or Fortunella japonica Grapefruit, Citrus paradisio After browsing our citrus collection and picking a citrus plant learn all about how to help your citrus plant thrive in our challenging environment.  Check out our blog post that covers care tips and how to harvest citrus!  Jennifer Brennan Chalet Horticulturist 

While it is not outdoor planting time in January, there is still much that can be accomplished during this slower season to ensure that 2024’s garden will be the best one yet. This checklist has ideas of what you should be doing this month to help your garden for the upcoming growing season; and, also ideas about indoor plant maintenance that should be done in January. Outdoor Garden:   1. January Garden Planning:  Initiate a gardening journal to review last year's successes and challenges.   Sketch out a master garden design plan, considering crop rotation and optimal plant placement. Chart seed and plant varieties for efficient planning and record-keeping. 2.    2. More Garden Planning:  Explore seed catalogues for new varieties and make a list for early purchase.  Consider adding more planters, raised beds, and vertical gardening structures.  3. Garden Maintenance:  Add mulch to insulate beds, focusing on areas with depleted mulch.  Check for frost heaves and gently press raised areas down if needed.  Prune and scatter Christmas tree or evergreen branches around the garden.  4. Wildlife Friendly:  Fill bird feeders with high-oil seeds and add a Niger thistle feeder for finches.  Ensure a consistent source of unfrozen water for birds with a bird-bath heater.  5. Garden Tools: Assess and repair gardening tools, cleaning, sharpening, and oiling moving parts.  6. Seed Starting Materials:  Clean and organize seed starting supplies, ensuring you have enough for the upcoming season.  Stock up on row covers and hoop houses for frost protection.  7. Composting in Winter: Continue feeding compost with kitchen scraps, evergreen needles, and newspaper. Indoor Garden: 1. Indoor Plant Maintenance:  Inspect houseplants for health and signs of pests, trimming off any yellow or dead leaves.  Adjust watering frequency based on reduced light levels and lower temperatures.  Provide adequate lighting by moving plants closer to windows or using supplemental LED grow lights.  Increase humidity levels with a humidifier or trays filled with pebbles and water.  Continue fertilizing with a high-quality liquid plant fertilizer.  2. Repotting and Maintenance:  Hold off on repotting unless absolutely necessary, preferably waiting until March.  Clean plant leaves gently to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.  3. Temperature and Drafts: Protect houseplants from cold drafts and excessive heat from heating vents or radiators.  4. Propagation and Pruning:  Consider propagating new plants from cuttings if suitable for the species.  Prune leggy or overgrown growth to maintain plant shape and health.  5. Special Care for Blooming Plants: Continue caring for flowering plants based on their specific needs.  6. Planning for Spring: Research and gather information on new plants or care routines for the upcoming spring season.  Remember, while these guidelines generally apply to most houseplants in USDA Zone 5 during January, it's crucial to consider individual plant species and their specific care requirements for the best results. Happy gardening! Jennifer Brennan Jennifer Brennan is the Horticulture Information Specialist, advising and coaching gardeners at Chalet for over 30 years.