Here is a gardener’s to-do list for February, 2026, tailored by U.S. region

Here is a gardener’s to-do list for February, 2026, tailored by U.S. region. February straddles the line between deep winter and early spring—it’s a month for readiness, pruning, sowing, and dreaming. The wise gardener stays a step ahead of the thaw.

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Northeast

• 🌱 Start Seeds Indoors: Sow cold-hardy crops like onions, leeks, celery, and pansies.

• ✂️ Prune Trees: Shape apples, pears, and other deciduous fruit trees before sap rises.

• ❄️ Check Mulch: Reapply around roses, garlic, and perennials after freeze-thaw cycles.

• 🔍 Inspect Stored Bulbs: Discard any rotting dahlias, gladiolus, or canna roots.

• 📦 Order Seeds: If you haven’t yet—do it now before popular varieties sell out.

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Midwest

• 🧤 Prune Trees & Shrubs: Late winter is best—cut back dormant wood before buds swell.

• 🌱 Start Indoors: Begin cool crops like cabbage, broccoli, and onions.

• 🌾 Inspect Mulch: Top off beds around garlic and berries to keep roots stable.

• 🪓 Sharpen Tools: Clean, sharpen, and oil pruners, spades, and hoes.

• 📖 Plan Garden Layouts: Rotate crops and organize seed starting schedules.

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Southeast

• 🥬 Plant Cool Crops: Direct sow carrots, beets, peas, spinach, collards, and mustard greens.

• 🌸 Add Color: Plant pansies, snapdragons, and calendula for instant bloom.

• ✂️ Prune Shrubs: Cut back roses and shape summer-flowering shrubs.

• 🍊 Watch Citrus: Fertilize lightly and protect from late frost with row covers.

• 🐜 Check for Pests: Aphids and whiteflies may be lurking on early crops.

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Southwest

• 🧄 Plant Garlic: Finish up garlic and onion planting if not already done.

• 🌸 Sow Wildflowers: Perfect time for California poppies, lupines, and desert marigolds.

• 🪓 Prune Fruit Trees: Get it done before buds swell—especially citrus and pomegranate.

• 🥬 Plant Cool Veggies: Lettuce, chard, peas, and brassicas can go in the ground now.

• ☀️ Water Carefully: Check soil moisture—don’t overwater in cool weather.

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Pacific Northwest

• 🌧️ Watch for Drainage: Clear any pooling or compacted spots in garden beds.

• 🧄 Check Garlic Beds: Mulch as needed and remove weeds.

• 🌱 Start Indoors: Begin onions, leeks, and early brassicas under lights.

• ✂️ Prune Shrubs: Late winter is ideal for shaping roses and fruit trees.

• 🍂 Tidy Up: Cut back ornamental grasses and old perennial foliage.

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Mountain West

• 🌿 Start Seeds: Begin hardy vegetables indoors (onions, cabbage, kale).

• 🔧 Maintain Tools: Clean, sharpen, and prepare tools for spring.

• ❄️ Protect Beds: Keep mulch in place to prevent frost heave.

• ✂️ Prune Trees: Fruit trees, berries, and dormant shrubs are ready for shaping.

• 📋 Plan Crop Rotation: Finalize planting plans and seed orders.

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California

• 🥬 Sow & Transplant: Plant cool crops like lettuce, carrots, beets, and brassicas.

• 🌼 Flowers: Direct sow wildflowers, sweet peas, and calendula.

• ✂️ Prune: Finish rose pruning; shape vines, trees, and summer shrubs.

• 💧 Water Smart: Let winter rain do the work, but check containers and raised beds.

• 🍋 Fertilize Citrus: Give mature trees a light feeding as new growth starts.

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February may be short, but it’s mighty. The early risers—crocus, spinach, and the determined gardener—win the race to spring. So sharpen your tools, sow your seeds, and start your countdown. The season of growth is just beneath the surface.

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