What every gardener should do as early as February: 5 important tips

Preparing for important events is easier when you have a clear plan. And spring gardening is no exception. The first warmth is just around the corner and it's time to put your site in order.

OBOZ.UA tells you what kind of work you need to do in February in order to meet the spring in full readiness. These are universal tips that are suitable for owners of both gardens and vegetable gardens, regardless of the size of the plot and the crops grown.

Take care of the soil

Whether you're sowing seedlings or growing trees in your garden, February is the time to prepare the soil for the warm season. To do this, check it for several key indicators.

Permeability to moisture and air. Dense soil does not allow air and water to reach the roots of plants. If the soil on your site has become caked over the winter, add a little sand, coconut fiber, peat, or other drainage to it. However, do not overdo it. The proportion of such loosening agents should not exceed 1/10 of the total soil volume.

Nutritional value. If you are growing seedlings, simply purchase fresh soil mix of the appropriate composition. Start fertilizing the soil in open areas or at least order fertilizers to have them on hand at the right time.

Acidity. Use a soil acidity analyzer. This is an inexpensive but very useful device that will help you prepare the land for sowing. If the acidity is low, correct it with high-moor peat or other organic matter such as compost, sawdust or manure. If it is high, reduce it by adding dolomite flour, lime or wood ash.

Microbiological balance. To kill all pathogens and microscopic pests, treat the soil with antiseptics and fungicides. Be aware that such treatment will also destroy the beneficial microflora. Therefore, use special preparations after that will saturate the soil with the necessary microorganisms.

Sow the seedlings

In February, it's time to sow seeds of early tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and cabbage. They take a long time to germinate, so they are the first to be put in the ground. It is also time to germinate crops for the greenhouse if you want to have a very early harvest. In the last month of winter, onions and annual flowers like lavender, garden carnation or balsam are planted. In the second half of the month, seeds for vegetables that will be grown in a heated greenhouse begin to germinate.

Prune trees and shrubs

If you didn't prune your garden in the fall, February is the last chance to remove dead and damaged branches from trees and shrubs, shape crowns, and create hedges. Choose stable, frost-free weather for this. However, don't expect a long thaw either. Treat the pruned areas with an antiseptic, such as garden varnish, and cover the parts of the trees from which the bark has come off with foil.

Sort bulbs and tubers

This primarily applies to those gardeners who grow flowers. Carefully inspect their bulbs and tubers for signs of damage or disease, rot, changes in texture and weight. Put everything that has sprouted in a separate container and place it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. However, don't keep it there for more than 2-4 weeks. Plant it in pots or directly into the ground, if weather permits.

Order all the planting material you need

It's not a good idea to order seeds, seedlings, or saplings at the last minute. After all, you will need to have time to check everything for suitability and quality. In addition, you hardly want to face the fact that the variety you need has already been picked up by more resourceful gardeners. Thus, do not hesitate.

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