Make the best of February: a guide to successful pre‑spring gardening

Garden work in February is a necessity. Essential tasks include pruning branches and spraying trees and fruit bushes. Many people are unsure of when to start sowing vegetables and flowers, given the cool outdoors and the distant spring season. However, February serves as the perfect moment for seedlings. The challenge, however, lies in doing it correctly and choosing the right varieties. But from now on, you'll have no doubts.

As gardeners eagerly wait to commence work in the garden, the question of what should be sown in February certainly arises. Sowing vegetables and flowers does not demand warm, excellent weather since prepared seedlings can grow on home window sills. If you're uncertain about when to sow peppers, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, February is a safe bet. In a few months, you'll reap healthy and abundant harvests thanks to these early sowing efforts.

Don't forget about planting herbs in February; their utility in the kitchen and as pest deterrents make them a must for any garden. Basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme are great choices. Soon, you'll appreciate the convenience and freshness of having your own spices. Don't neglect the sowing of flowers either. Annuals are the way to go, as they will have an extended vegetative period. Up for consideration are petunias, nasturtiums, sage, begonias, and geraniums.

When sowing seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers, begin by preparing the location, that means selecting the appropriate pots or containers for your seedlings. Using toilet paper rolls is an economical and ecological option, or you could opt for winter sowing in bottles. Regardless of the method, each will yield impressive results. The soil used plays a vital role in the sowing of seeds in February. It should ideally be warm and infused with compost, making it light and fertile – an environment conducive to healthy, resilient plants.

Watering seedlings is crucial, but instead of a watering can, use a sprayer to avoid washing the delicate seeds to the surface. Also significant is the presence of the sun—an element without which plant germination is impossible. Placing them on a southern windowsill provides optimal exposure, and in no time, you'll see green leaves making their debut.