Garden Notes February 2026
In Zones 8a and 8b, February is still winter, but days gradually lengthen and temperatures begin to warm slightly. It’s a key month for planning, preparing soil, starting seeds indoors, and pruning dormant fruit trees and shrubs. With careful timing, some early cool-season crops can also be planted in protected areas.
Zone 8a Average Last Spring Frost April 1-15 / Average First Fall Frost Nov 1-15
Zone 8b Average Last Spring Frost March 15-April 1 / Average First Fall Frost Nov 15-25
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
All dates are contingent on weather. Keep a close eye on conditions and adjust as needed.
🌞 VEGETABLE GARDEN – FEBRUARY
🌱 Direct Sow / Early Planting
Cool-season crops (in 8b or protected 8a areas):
Lettuce
Spinach
Kale
Mustard greens
Arugula
Radishes
Carrots
Beets
Broad beans/fava beans can be sown outdoors in mild microclimates.
Use row covers or cold frames for extra protection in 8a.
🌿 Seed Starting Indoors
Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplants
Basil
Start cool-season transplants for early March: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale.
Keep seedlings in bright, sunny windows or under grow lights.
🥬 Harvest & Maintain
Harvest overwintered leafy greens (kale, collards, spinach, mustard) as needed.
Remove frost-damaged leaves to prevent disease.
Mulch beds to maintain soil warmth and prevent erosion.
Clear debris from summer crops to reduce overwintering pests.
🍓 FRUIT CARE – FEBRUARY
Dormant pruning of most fruit trees (apples, pears, plums, peaches, figs) can begin.
Remove diseased or damaged wood and thin crowded branches.
Apply dormant oil sprays if needed to control scale and overwintering pests.
Mulch around trees and berry bushes to conserve moisture and protect roots.
🌸 FLOWERS – FEBRUARY
Early preparation for spring:
Prune shrubs and perennials that bloom in spring after flower buds form.
Plant bare-root perennials if soil is workable.
Maintain mulch around perennials for winter protection.
Start seeds indoors for annuals to transplant in March (zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, sunflowers).
🐝 POLLINATOR SUPPORT
Very limited activity this month.
Leave seed heads and perennial structures for overwintering insects.
Avoid herbicides or insecticides.
✂️ PRUNING & WINTER TASKS
Shrubs & Perennials
Prune deciduous shrubs and trees before new growth begins.
Cut back spent perennials for clean beds.
Roses
Light pruning to remove dead or diseased wood.
Heavy pruning for structure can wait until late February in mild 8b areas.
Fruit Trees
Prune apples, pears, peaches, plums, and figs before buds swell.
Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent disease.
🐛 PEST WATCH – FEBRUARY
Most pests are dormant but monitor for:
Overwintering aphids or scale insects on dormant trees
Slugs and snails in damp areas
Cleaning up debris now reduces early spring pest pressure.
💧 WATER & MULCH
Water overwintering crops sparingly if soils are dry.
Maintain 2–3 inches of mulch to insulate roots.
Avoid overwatering cold soil to prevent root rot.
🌡️ WEATHER CONTINGENCIES
Late Frost or Freeze (8a)
Cover tender crops with row covers or cloches.
Move containers or potted plants to protected areas.
Mild 8b Winter
Maintain soil moisture for overwintering crops and seedlings.
Monitor for fungal issues in damp conditions.
🗓️ February Planning
Finalize spring garden layout and crop rotations.
Prepare soil with compost, amendments, and cover crops where possible.
Continue seed starting indoors for March transplanting.
Check and repair irrigation systems, garden tools, and cold frames.