By Montie McKinney
Marion County Master Gardeners

The urge to get your “garden on” has begun to creep into every gardener’s blood. It is still cold, but we still want to start planting. So, let me think, “What can I plant in February in Arkansas?” Why not try your hand at Strawberries?

Strawberries are the first edible fruit produced in the spring in many gardens in Arkansas. They prefer a sandy loam soil that drains quickly, but they can adapt to almost any soil type. If planting in the ground, I suggest getting your soil tested at the County Cooperative Extension Office to see if you need to add anything to the soil so that your strawberries thrive.

Strawberries do better in a raised bed, which allows for drainage to be optimal as strawberries do not like “wet feet”. Work the soil so that it is loose and without clumps. The site you choose should also get a minimum of 6 hours of good sunlight. Besides not liking “wet feet” strawberries do not like to be overcrowded. Plant strawberries by making mounds about 5-6 inches high and 6-12 inches wide and give at least 18 inches between plants.

At time of planting, one could use an all-around fertilizer (if soil test recommends it) of a 10-10-10 fertilizer and work it into the soil. This will last for the growing season and can be reapplied in early September. Mulching with straw or pine needles will help to keep the moisture in and reduce fruit rot. Fruit rot happens when the fruit comes in contact with damp soil.

There are different varieties of strawberries. June Bearing and Ever-Bearing. The June Bearing will give you lots of strawberries at one time. This variety is best for those who are freezing them or making jellies and jams. Don’t be fooled by the name Ever-Bearing. They will give a crop in early summer and again in early fall, with a sporadic sprinkling in between. These berries will be smaller than the June Bearing and will not be as plentiful.

Here are a few varieties that tend to do well in this area:

1) Allstar is a June Bearing variety that is very hardy and disease resistant. This variety tends to be firm in consistency and is extra juicy with a great sweet taste. They are also frost resistant.

2) Cardinal is a June Bearing variety which produces large berries that are deep red in color. This variety does well in warmer climates and is disease resistant. They are an early ripening berry and will produce extra-large berries for 3-4 weeks.

​3) Ozark Beauties is an Ever-Bearing variety that will give you a crop in early summer and again in the fall. They perform best in the cooler climates. The fruit is smaller than the June Bearing varieties, that is firm and sweet. This variety is ideal for container strawberries on your deck.

So, no matter if you are looking to make jellies and jams or just enjoying them in your cereal, fresh strawberries from the garden cannot be beat.

Marion County Master Gardeners meet the second Saturday of each month at the Marion County Fairgrounds at 9am. Meetings are open to the public. For more information on Marion County Master Gardeners, visit www.MarionCountyMasterGardeners.com or call 870-449-6349.

Good morning, fellow gardeners! With February's chill still in the air, it's the perfect time to start planning and preparing your vegetable garden, especially if you're in USDA Hardiness Zone 7. This zone, which includes all but the northernmost parts of Marion County, experiences mild winters with average minimum temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Here's what you can do to get a head start on your garden:

Indoor Seed Starting
1. Tomatoes and Peppers:

• When: Late February to early March.
• Why: These warm-season crops need a long growing season, and starting them indoors gives them the time they need before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.
• How: Use seed trays or small pots with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them under grow lights or in a sunny window, maintaining soil warmth with a heat mat if possible.

2. Eggplant:

• Similar to tomatoes and peppers, eggplant thrives when started indoors. They require warmth to germinate and grow successfully.

3. Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower:

• When: Early February.
• Why: These are cool-season crops that can be transplanted into the garden as soon as the weather allows, often around late March or early April.

4. Onions and Leeks:

• Seedlings or sets can be started indoors. They need a good head start before going outside.

5. Herbs like Basil and Parsley:

• Basil especially benefits from an early start indoors, as it dislikes cold soil. Parsley can be slower to germinate so starting early helps.

Direct Sowing Outdoors
1. Peas:

• When: As soon as the soil can be worked, which might be late February to early March in zone 7.
• Why: Peas are hardy and can tolerate light frosts. They'll give you an early spring harvest if planted now.

2. Spinach, Lettuce, and Other Greens:

• These can be sown directly if you're in a warmer microclimate or if you use row covers to protect against frost. Otherwise, consider starting them in a cold frame or under cloches.

3. Radishes:

• Radishes are quick to grow and can be planted directly into the garden soil. They're perfect for filling in gaps or for an early harvest.

Tips for February Planting in Zone 7:

• Soil Preparation: Work on enhancing your soil now. Add compost or aged manure to your beds to enrich the soil for spring planting.
• Mulching: Mulch bare soil to prevent weeds and to keep the soil from eroding during winter rains.
• Protecting Plants: If you do plant outdoors, be ready with frost protection like row covers, cloches, or even old bed sheets for unexpected cold snaps.
• Monitor Weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Even in zone 7, unexpected frosts can affect your seedlings.

Final Thoughts
February is about setting the stage for a productive garden season. By starting seeds indoors, you extend your growing season, and by planting some hardy vegetables outdoors, you can enjoy some of the earliest harvests. Remember, gardening is part science, part art, and wholly rewarding. Happy planting, and here's to a bountiful gardening year!

If you need more specific advice or have questions about particular varieties or garden layouts, feel free to ask or stop by the Marion County Extension Office in Yellville at 313 West 7th Street, behind the nursing home.