In February, gardeners in Yolo County and the Sacramento area are advised to continue preparing for spring while being mindful of local wildlife. According to Peg Smith, many beneficial insects and native bees shelter in dried plant material during winter. Gardeners are encouraged not to clean up too thoroughly on sunny days to protect these species.
Preparation tasks for the upcoming planting season include cleaning pots with a diluted bleach solution, checking for standing water that could attract mosquitoes, sharpening tools, and safely disposing of old pesticides and herbicides. The Yolo County Landfill accepts household hazardous waste on Thursdays through Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Bulbs, corms, and rhizomes can be planted throughout the year for varied garden color. Recommended varieties with low water needs include amaryllis, canna, crocosmia, dahlia, gladiolus, hippeastrum (giant amaryllis), lily, tigridia (tiger flower), tuberose, and zephranthes (Argentine lily). Each has specific planting times and care instructions.
Gardeners should check potted plants for moisture even in cool weather since dormant plants require adequate soil moisture for healthy growth in spring. Although local dams have enough water to last through summer, it is important to continue conserving water by maintaining irrigation systems and avoiding overwatering.
For frost protection, sensitive plants should be covered with old sheets if a heavy frost is expected; black or clear plastic should not be used. Most plants tolerate brief freezing but may suffer damage from prolonged cold or temperatures in the twenties.
This month is also suitable for planting bareroot fruit trees and berries. Pruning fruit trees now encourages strong spring growth. Guidance on dormant sprays can be found at UC ANR’s Winter Pest Management in Backyard Deciduous Fruit Trees (https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/CULTURAL/winterpruning.html), while information about pruning techniques is available at UC ANR’s Fruit Trees: Training and Pruning Deciduous Trees (https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/The_Big_Picture/Pruning/Fruit_Trees_Training_and_Pruning_Deciduous_Trees/).
Rose pruning should be finished this month as well; fertilization can begin once new growth appears. Annuals such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendulas, and poppies can add early color to gardens. Cool-season perennials like cyclamen and hellebores are also recommended for planting now.
Applying three to four inches of mulch helps retain soil moisture and prevent erosion but some areas should remain bare to support ground-nesting native bees.
Cool-season vegetables including lettuce, beets, carrots, and spinach may be direct-seeded outdoors now. To prepare for summer crops like tomatoes or peppers earlier in the season, seeds can be started indoors.
A February Vegetable Planting Guide provides detailed recommendations on what vegetables are best suited for planting during this month in Yolo County and Sacramento area gardens.
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