February Gardening Tips

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

David Hillock, Consumer Horticulturist

Force spring flowering branches like forsythia, quince, peach, apple, and weigela for early bloom indoors.
Forced spring bulbs should begin to bloom indoors; many need 10-12 weeks of cold, dark conditions prior to blooming.
Feed tulips in early February.
Wait to prune roses in March.

Cool-season vegetable transplants can still be started for late spring garden planting.
By February 15 many cool-season vegetables like cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas, and potatoes can be planted.

A product containing glyphosate plus a broadleaf herbicide that are both labeled for this use can be used on completely tan dormant bermudagrass in January or early February when temperatures are above 50°F for winter weed control.

Fertilize trees, including fruit and nut trees and shrubs, according to a soil test.
Most bare-rooted trees and shrubs should be planted in February or March.
Finish pruning shade trees, summer flowering shrubs and hedges. Spring blooming shrubs such as forsythia may be pruned immediately after flowering. Do not top trees or prune just for the sake of pruning.
Look for arborvitae aphids on many evergreen shrubs during the warmer days of early spring.
Gall-producing insects on oaks, pecans, hackberries, etc. need to be sprayed prior to bud break of foliage.
Dormant oil can still be applied to control mites, galls, overwintering aphids, etc.

Spray peaches and nectarines with a fungicide for prevention of peach leaf curl before bud swell.
Mid-February is a good time to begin pruning and fertilizing trees and small fruits.
Collect and store graftwood for grafting pecans later this spring.
Begin planting blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, asparagus, and other perennial garden crops later this month.
Choose fruit varieties that have a proven track record for Oklahoma’s conditions.

Base any plant fertilization on a soil test. For directions, contact your county Extension Educator.
Provide feed and unfrozen water for your feathered friends.
Clean up birdhouses before spring tenants arrive during the middle of this month.
Avoid salting sidewalks for damage can occur to plant material. Use alternative commercial products, sand or kitty litter for traction.
Join Oklahoma Gardening on your OETA station for the start of its season beginning in February. Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.