February Gardening Guide In South Florida
We are at the end of January there were many garden projects you took on from weed removal to raking leaves, giving your compost pile some tender loving care to reseeding areas of your lawns that had bare spots, and then there was working on that flower bed or giving your potted plants and vegetable garden that needed attention.
These were just some of the tasks you took on to ensure your garden remains healthy looking, yes you got off to a great start but as you prepare for February continue to work in your gardens because February offers equal opportunities with fresh ideas that you can implement while maintaining your garden and landscape.
What to Do in Your Garden in February
Flower Care
Keep your gardens and landscapes vibrant and colorful with these flowering plants.
Red salvias, coleus, zinnia, cosmos, sunflowers, celosia, blanket flowers, impatiens, blue salvias, marigolds, vinca, amaranthus, melampodium, ageratum, portulaca, Dahlberg daisy, etc… create the perfect garden oasis with these flowering beauties.
Installing Bulbs
Bulbs are some of my favorite garden plants that can add beauty to a garden. These are just a few that will give that color pop.
Crinum lily, spider lily, canna lily, rain lily, dahlia, amaryllis, caladium, agapanthus, crocosmia, etc… bulbs can highlight a dull area with beautiful flower blooms.
Time for Rose Pruning
The ideal time to trim your hybrid rose bush is mid-month, select four or five canes to form the new shrub, and remove the others with a pruner. Now remove the top third of the main canes. If there is any damage or dead twiggy growth back to the main cane. After pruning fertilize your rose and apply a two to three-inch layer of mulch, apply the right amount of water, this procedure will cause flowering of your rose bush eight to nine weeks after pruning.
Weed Removal
Weed removal is so important because weeds can and will take over a garden if left, weeds spread disease, encourage garden pests, and will compete with plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients. I know that weeding can be a tedious job but weed removal is a must and cannot be ignored. A great way to tackle weeds is to put a schedule in place on days when you will take on this task, it is best to remove weeds when they are young.
Also, weed removal should be carried out early in the morning before it gets hot or during the evening hours when the sun is about to set, get help if needed. Weeds that are growing along or up through driveways, pavements, along garden pathways can be controlled by the application of herbicides. Ensure once these areas are treated that children and pets stay clear for at least a day or two. Before pesticide application read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results. Remember not to apply herbicides on days when rain is forecast or on days when it’s windy which can cause drift off or spray applications to reach flower beds and other garden areas.
Adding Some Mulch
The addition of mulch is a bonus, mulches serve many benefits from beautification, to suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and adding nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. A two to three-inch layer of mulch is sufficient.
Keep an Eye Out for Garden Insect Pests
Garden pests will seek to rob you of your harvest therefore it’s important to keep an eye out for these pests and treat them right away when spotted. It’s best to use organic pesticides or pesticides that can be used on edible gardens. Another option is to use homemade remedies or plants that are infested can be removed and properly discarded. Plants that are diseased or not producing should be removed as well.
Cutting and Watering Your Lawn
Keeping your lawn properly maintained will pay off in big ways as you head towards the warmer months, make sure to be on the lookout for weeds in your lawn and monitor for pests. If pests are spotted then treat the lawn right away to ensure that your lawn continues to grow healthy. Before using pesticides make sure you are wearing safety equipment. For example long pants and a long sleeve shirt, strong garden gloves, respirator, and protective eyeglasses. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the label for good results before applying pesticides.
Installing Garden Herbs
Gardens herbs have so many benefits and that’s why I love them, herbs can greatly flavor your food recipes along with having nutritional value, here are some herbs to install.
Mint, onion, sage, garlic, basil, chives, fennel, thyme, dill, oregano, sweet marjoram, etc… it’s best if possible group plant species of the same type because of the same lighting and watering needs however if you’re mixing different herb species give fennel and dill good spacing because these herbs will grow together or intermingle.
Sowing Vegetable Seeds
Vegetables are a great food crop to grow in your home garden, it is just something about eating fresh edible plants that are grown by our very own hands. If you’re considering growing veggies then here is what to plant during February.
Peppers, spinach, beets, okras, cucumbers, squash, beans, sweet corn, kohlrabi, Southern peas, swiss chard Chinese cabbage, etc.. these veggies are easy to grow and care for and will only be a reach away (in your home garden) as you prepare your favorite meals. Read the seed package for how to grow and the time of harvest.
Planting Vegetables
Veggies can be installed either from seeds or seedlings if installed from seedlings then here is what to plant, Lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, collards, beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, turnips, sweet corn, okra, cucumbers, Swiss chard, spinach, Southern peas, sugar snap peas, kale, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, celery, arugula etc….
Additional information
You can also plant cantaloupes, mangoes, and avocados.
The final word on February gardening in South Florida
The month of February has so many opportunities to work in your gardens as we approach the warmer months, I believe that making the preparations now will reward you with an abundance of harvest. Whatever you choose to grow this guide will help you along the way making your garden projects easier. Let’s work the soil and do what we can no matter how small because working outdoors has many benefits including making an impact on our outdoor living space as well as wildlife and beneficial insects.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hi Norman,
Your post on February Gardening in South Florida is quite a practical guide, covering everything from flower care to vegetable planting. It’s like a monthly planner for the green thumb tribe! However, while the to-do list is extensive, I’m curious about prioritizing tasks for a small-space gardener with limited time. What would you recommend as the top three must-do tasks for February to keep a small garden thriving in South Florida’s unique climate?
Thanks for sharing your gardening wisdom!
Warm regards,
Makhsud
Hello Makhsud,
With a small garden space, that depends on what you have growing. Each garden is different so when it comes to maintenance procedures with the right planning you can accomplish your garden chores. I believe in a garden no matter how big or small each task should be a priority it is all a matter again of putting a plan in place that is your blueprint or guide. I hope this helps.
Hey thank you for this!
I found it quite interesting and definitely learnt something new! I have been thinking to plant something in the cooler months however weren’t sure about what plants can survive these conditions. Usually the February month is filled with weed cleaning but it is nice to know there are hardy plants which can be installed.
Thanks again and have a great day!
You are so welcome, I a happy that I could help, wishing you all the best of garden success!
It’s amazing how February in South Florida is such a busy time for gardeners, filled with so many possibilities! From planting vibrant flowers to pruning roses and adding mulch, it seems like a month where the garden truly comes alive. I’m especially intrigued by the variety of vegetables that can be sown or planted; it must be so rewarding to harvest and enjoy your own home-grown produce. And those herbs! Just imagining a garden filled with fresh mint, basil, and sage is enough to inspire anyone to get their hands dirty. Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive guide! 🌱🌺🌼
Gardening has so many benefits and is filled with so many rewards that pays off in huge ways so let’s keep gardening. Have a great day!