February Garden Calendar | Midwest Living

February Garden Calendar

Spring's not far away! Get ready for growing things.

Indoor gardening

Start seeds of slower-growing plants, such as parsley and onions. Don't be tempted to start other seeds too early (follow label directions or read up on them online). If you jump the gun on planting seeds, the seedlings will languish indoors too long without the powerful natural sun and get leggy and diseased. The vast majority of seeds should be started 6 to 8 weeks before your region's last average frost date. For most of the Midwest, that means starting seeds in March.

Boost humidity around houseplants. Misting doesn't help, but a tray filled with pebbles and a quarter inch or so of water will be most appreciated. Also, turn up your humidifier as high as you can (without creating condensation on windows). Both people and plants will feel better for it!

Evaluate houseplants. If they're struggling, it's probably time to pitch them and replace them as needed. Otherwise, give plants a good rinse in the kitchen sink or shower, trim off brown or problem parts, and top off the soil with fresh potting mix. But don't fertilize houseplants this month. With less daylight, their need for food is reduced.

Check on bulbs that you are forcing. Keep soil lightly moist. And once the bulbs have sent up shoots a half-inch to 1 inch high, take them out and put them in the sunniest, brightest spot possible.

Check on bulbs or corms you dug up and have in storage. If you dug up some tender bulbs last fall to store over the winter, uncover and examine them. They should be firm and healthy looking. If any are shriveled or mildewed, pitch them now.

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