Some February days feel like it's already spring.  While we know there are more cold and rainy days to come, that feeling of spring emerging helps us to ready our  gardens for the real thing.  With that in mind, here are some important steps to take in February in preparation for a glorious spring garden.

• If you are lucky enough to have peach or nectarine trees, now is the time to spray them to control leaf curl. 
• Although,  it seems very counter intuitive with all the winter rain, this is the time to check your garden irrigation systems:  Above ground systems—check sprinkler heads for damage, clogs or hiding insects.  Drip irrigation—remove end caps and flush lines; unclog or replace emitters as needed; expand irrigation lines around growing trees and shrubs to make sure roots receive adequate water when the system is turned back on.
• Be aware of wet soil and avoid walking on or cultivating in it.  Wet soil compacts easily resulting in slow drainage and poor aeration.
• Have you seen those tell-tale sings of snails on your concrete? Now is the time to control them—remember, they love tender new growth.  You can hand pick, trap, or bait with a non toxic snail and slug bait. Make sure it contains iron phosphate listed as the active ingredient.
• Be on the lookout for mosquitoes.  Warm weather after rain often brings them out.  Drain standing water from saucers and other areas.
• Plan your garden well in February…it will reduce weekly maintenance during the growing season.  Excess pruning and fertilizing encourages plant growth, thus increasing water needs. 

Rule of thumb: Less pruning, less fertilizing equals less watering and…less work!

Now for the Fun Stuff—Planting New Veggies!

Yes! It's time to plan your spring and summer veggie garden.  Pick a spot that gets at least six hours of sun a day; more is even better.  Plants will be healthier and fuller, fruits and vegetables will form faster and they will taste wonderful.

DIRECT SEED: It's time for outdoor direct seeding:  You can plant beets, broccoli rabe, chard, chives, collards, lettuce, peas and radish.

PLANTING OUTDOORS SEEDLINGS: You can successfully plant broccoli, cabbage and kale seedlings.

INDOOR SEED STARTS: eggplant, peppers, tomatoes are perfect starts for February.

Just thinking about our spring and summer gardens makes the dull, gray days of February seem brighter and more beautiful.  As you begin planning your landscape, think about growing one “good enough to eat!”  You can do this by incorporating edible plants throughout your garden. The colors and textures of herbs and veggies make an interesting  and tasty addition to any landscape!  And your table will show off this beautiful bounty once you've harvested and prepared them.