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Posted on 01/31/2026 6:26:44 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
The MONTHLY Gardening Thread is a gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.
If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located.
This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.
It is impossible to hijack the Gardening Thread. Planting, Harvest to Table Recipes, Preserving, Good Living - there is no telling where it will go - and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us! Send a Private Message to Diana in Wisconsin if you'd like to be added to/removed from our New & Improved Ping List.
NOTE: This is a once a MONTH Ping List, but we DO post to the thread all throughout the month. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time.
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Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
February Gardening To-Do List According to Your USDA Growing Zone
According to The Weather Channel, January is, on average, the coldest month of the year in most parts of the United States, including the Midwest, South and East. However, colder winter weather persists throughout the month of February in many regions. Nonetheless, with springtime merely one calendar month away, February is an essential time for gardeners to prepare for the upcoming growing season.
Growing zones, also known as USDA Hardiness Zones, are geographic areas that indicate the average annual minimum temperature in a specific region. These zones help gardeners and farmers determine which plants are most likely to flourish in their climate.
The U.S. is sectioned off into 13 grow zones, with each zone representing a 10-degree temperature difference. Zone 1 is the coldest, while Zone 13 is the warmest. By understanding these divisions, growers can select appropriate plants that are better suited to survive (and thrive) in the local temperature extremes and seasonal variations, ensuring optimal growth and health.
Depending on your area’s designated zone, your February gardening to-do list will look a little different, so first identify your zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. Then check out the comprehensive lists of gardening preparations tailored to each grow zone below. Do get started now so that, come springtime, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running!
Later
Potatoes!
I’ve been growing white potatoes for a few years, about 60 plants. Each year half my crop is infected with something I cannot understand. Small black spots on the skin portend the much larger black masses within the potato. I cut them out when preparing for dinner and the rest of the potato is fine. What is that stuff and how do I prevent it?
Oh boy...just 6 more weeks and I start the tomato seeds under lights on the kitchen counter. My VERY favorite is a white tomato, Bugtussle Buttermilk Wonder.
I think I’m burning wood faster than the trees are growing.
By the middle of February, the average temperature is starting to go up. SO the last two weeks of Jan and the first two weeks of Feb are the coldest of the year.
I’ll be starting my onion seeds this next week.
We feel the same way here in NH
I’m glad I tilled my garden spot up last fall...7” of snow on the ground now and -4 this morning. Spring will arrive in KS, though, it always does.
We need rain, rain and more rain and cooler temps...
Meanwhile, plants are blooming that aren't supposed to be blooming this time of year...
Such as hibiscus:
Roses:
I got only two stalks of orchids this year which means the rest of them will need to be re-potted:
Plan for the day is to make lemon curd, I'm about to get an explosion of lemons:
It's also camellia season, but I don't expect to see that many with the heat we're getting:
Happy February and Happy Gardening to all, from me (Bon) and my helpers:
Are you purchasing new disease free potatoes for planting or using leftovers from your prior year harvest?
Blackheart: Caused by oxygen deprivation, usually from flooded soil or improper storage, resulting in a black, tough, or hollow center.
Fusarium Dry Rot: A fungal infection that develops from earlier bruises, leading to brownish-black, shriveled cavities.
‘Bugtussle Buttermilk Wonder’
That looks like a beauty! I just discovered ‘Bounty Hunter Seeds’ last year thanks to Mom With Hope.
https://bountyhunterseeds.com/product/bugtussle-buttermilk-wonder-tomato/
Here in Florida my grass is brown.
The roses and herbs are doing well.
We’ve had little rain in the past few months. It rained earlier today and my part of Florida is dark, dreary and cold.
How wonderful! Your pictures are food for the soul. Love the lemons, what a treasure. Thanks for posting!
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