February Texas Gardening Tips
What to Plant in February:
By Seed:
Artichoke, Arugula, Asian Greens, Asparagus (Tubers), Beets, Chard, Collard Greens, Kale, Oregano, Irish Potatoes (Tubers), Radish, Rosemary, Spinach, Sage, Thyme, and Turnips.
By Transplant:
Arugula, Asian Greens, Cabbage, Chard, Chives, Cilantro, Collard Greens, Dill, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuces, Mustard Greens, Onions (Sets), Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Spinach, Sage, Thyme and Violas.
How to Care for your February Garden:
This is a tricky month. We normally have some warming up going on and definitely growing crowds at the garden centers. You will be very tempted to begin to plant your warm-season, frost-sensitive plants. Some start tomatoes and peppers now, but we do not recommend it! Just hang tight. Drop in the last of your winter seeds for another radish harvest and save the warm-season crops for later. You will still need to look out for freezes and cover your garden as needed. And if we get a bit of unseasonably warm weather, you may find your Cole crops (brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale) nibbled a bit by the early season caterpillars. This is absolutely the time to plan! Decide what you will plant in the spring and where it will go. Consider creating a planting plan and decide what varieties you want to grow. Enjoy the anticipation in the air that this month brings with spring right around the corner!
What to Harvest in February in Texas:
As you begin to visualize your warm season garden, you should consider what is where right now and harvest entire plants that are getting in the way. As you harvest entire lettuces, spinach, or remove peas that may have frost damage, have a bag of compost handy to top a few inches where you took them out. The major clean out doesn't have to happen for another month, but if you begin to harvest a little more aggressively now, you will find the job much easier in March.
When you’re ready to build your new garden or expand the one you have, book a consult before the season passes you by: