February is a key month for gardeners in Marin County, as preparations made now lay the foundation for spring growth. Local experts emphasize that while gardens may appear dormant, much activity occurs beneath the surface during this time.
One of the primary tasks recommended is preparing garden beds and cleaning up debris. The softer soil resulting from winter rains makes weed removal easier. Adding organic compost to both garden beds and raised beds helps restore nutrients lost over the winter months. Compost should be mixed into the top layer of soil or used as mulch to nourish soil life.
Gardeners are also advised to cut down cover crops when ready and incorporate them into compost piles. February presents an optimal window for pruning deciduous fruit trees such as apples, plums, pears, and persimmons before buds begin to break. Dead, diseased, or crossing branches should be removed to allow more sunlight and air circulation within tree canopies.
“Pruning increases plant vigor, controls plant size, and can increase the yield of fruit, among many other benefits,” said Jill Fugaro. “Pruning can also reduce opportunities for fungal disease to grow in Marin’s coastal moist climate.” More detailed information on pruning techniques is available at https://ucanr.edu/ by searching for “pruning”.
Early spring planting begins in February with sowing seeds indoors for arugula, kale, onions, and peppers; outdoor options include beets, carrots, chard, collard greens, leeks, lettuce, bunching onions, peas, potatoes, radish, spinach and sunchokes. Gardeners may transplant starts of various vegetables such as artichokes and asparagus roots at this time. Guidance on growing edibles can be found at https://ucanr.edu/ by searching “edibles”.
Hardy annual flowers like sweet peas and calendula are suitable for planting now so their root systems establish before warmer weather arrives.
Regular inspection of plants is encouraged due to increased risk of pests like snails or aphids as well as fungal issues from damp conditions typical in February. Hand-picking pests or using non-toxic sprays can help control outbreaks.
Gardeners are prompted to assess their overall landscape design during this period—considering new plants that attract beneficial insects or removing overgrown species that could pose fire risks.
Jill Fugaro concludes: “Enjoy this month of preparation, promise and subtle transformation while you step outside, breathe the cool air again and begin afresh.”
The University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) program provides science-based gardening advice statewide through research centers and county offices—including those serving Marin County (official website). UC ANR delivers University expertise via outreach initiatives designed to enhance well-being across California communities (official website). It maintains nine Research and Extension Centers throughout diverse ecosystems (official website) while supporting local needs in farming practices and environmental conservation (official website).
Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (official website).
For additional resources on gardening tips specific to Marin County—including videos—residents are encouraged to visit the UC Marin Master Gardeners YouTube channel.