Though winter still has a firm hold on Bedford, February offers gardeners the perfect window to prepare for spring and enjoy a bit of indoor green therapy. With a focus on planning and low-effort indoor projects, this month bridges the seasons beautifully.
Outdoor Tasks (Weather Permitting)
- Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools to prepare for spring use. A little care now can extend their life and improve performance.
- Check Stored Bulbs and Tubers: Inspect dahlias, gladiolus, and other stored plants for rot or mold. Discard any compromised specimens.
- Clean Bird Feeders and Baths: February is National Bird Feeding Month. Keeping feeders and baths clean and filled helps local wildlife during the leanest months.
Indoor Projects
- Start Seeds Indoors: Begin hardy vegetables like onions, leeks, and celery under grow lights or near a bright window. Peppers and tomatoes can be started toward the end of the month.
- Regrow Kitchen Scraps: Green onions, lettuce, and celery regrow easily in water. Place them in a sunny windowsill to get kids or first-time gardeners involved.
- Force Bulbs for Spring Cheer: Daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths can be forced indoors in containers. Keep bulbs in a cool, dark place until sprouts emerge, then bring them into the light.
