February Garden Tasks for Zone 7

In Zone 7 Arkansas, February is a month where gardeners can start preparing for the upcoming spring season. Here are the top 10 garden chores to focus on during this time:

• **Pruning**: February is a great time to prune fruit trees, grapevines, and summer-flowering shrubs. Remove any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
• **Clean Up**: Clear out any debris, fallen leaves, or dead plant material from the garden beds to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
• **Soil Preparation**: Begin preparing your soil for planting by adding compost or organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
• **Seed Starting**: Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These can be transplanted outdoors once the weather warms up.
• **Mulching**: Apply a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• **Divide Perennials**: Divide overcrowded perennials like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses to promote healthy growth and improve flowering.
• **Inspect Garden Tools**: Check your gardening tools for any damage and clean, sharpen, or replace them as needed to ensure they are ready for the upcoming season.
• **Plan Your Garden**: Use this time to plan your garden layout, select seeds or plants, and create a planting schedule for the year ahead.
• **Pest Control**: Keep an eye out for early signs of pest or disease problems on plants and take appropriate measures to prevent their spread.
• **Compost Maintenance**: Turn your compost pile to promote decomposition and ensure you have a steady supply of nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

By staying on top of these garden chores in February, you'll set yourself up for a successful and productive gardening season ahead in Zone 7 Arkansas.

Questions? Call the Marion County Extension Office 870-449-6349 or email [email protected]

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