February Gardening Tips

David Hillock, Consumer Horticulturist

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Division Of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

General

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 on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Trees/Shrubs

Fertilize trees including fruit and nut trees and shrubs according to a soil test. (HLA-6412)

Most bare-rooted trees and shrubs should be planted in February or March. (HLA-6414)

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. (HLA-6409)

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. (EPP-7306)
Fruits and Nuts

Spray peaches and nectarines with a fungicide for prevention of peach leaf curl before bud swell. (EPP-7319)

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. Fact Sheet HLA-6222 has a recommended list.
Lawn and Turf

A product containing glyphosate plus a broadleaf herbicide that are both labeled for this use can be used on completely tan dormant bermuda in January or early February when temperatures are above 50°F for winter weed control. (HLA-6420)
Vegetables

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. (HLA-6004)
Flowers

Force spring flowering branches like forsythia, quince, peach, apple, and weigela for early bloom indoors.

Forced spring bulbs should begin to bloom indoors; many will need 10 to 12 weeks of cold, dark conditions prior to blooming.

Feed tulips in early February.

Wait to prune roses in March.