February makes us anticipate early spring, but we can't fully scratch the itch to dig in our dirt.  However, we can complete some spring prep tasks that will contribute to a colorful, productive spring and summer garden.  Working through a to-do list will bring life back to our gardens!   Bleak mid-winter, be gone!

1) Early February - purchase onion sets and transplants to add to the garden; direct sow peas.  Peas don't like to have their roots disturbed; so, seed them outdoors in the space where they will be harvested. 

2) Later in the month - transplant cole crops such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

3) Mid-February is the time to sow leaf lettuce, spinach, chard, Irish potatoes, and root vegetables.  Local garden centers should have seed potatoes -- buy them quickly because they won't be on the shelves long.  My favorite vegetables to sow are root vegetables -- carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, etc.

4) Plant asparagus crowns, available from retailers and via mail order. Asparagus is a perennial and takes roughly two years to establish.  The more mature the crown from the supplier, the sooner we can harvest those delectable shoots.  A 4-year old crown will cost more than a 1-year old crown.

5) Sow warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants in seed starting trays indoors.

Vocabulary tips

Sow - put a seed in the soil.  

Direct sow - put seed in outdoor soil. 

Plant - (verb) handling germinated life that contains roots, stems, and leaves. 

Transplant - move a plant to another location. 

Cool season plants - flourish this time of year; grow best when the average temperatures are 55 degrees to 75 degrees; tolerate slight frosts.

Happy Gardening!

Gardening Series 2: Bringing Life Back to the Garden - Flowers

Planning is in full swing for the highly anticipated Home and Garden Expo, set for Saturday, March 22, 2025. Vendors are encouraged to participate in this annual celebration of gardening, homemaking, and sustainable living. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact the Extension Office (903-583-7453) for more information.

2025 Programming Sponsored by: Twin Oaks Nursery-Denison; Keystone Enterprises-Bonham;  Red Coop Feed and Seed-Bonham; Fix and Feed-Bonham; Green Machine Rentals-Bonham; 160 Lawn and Timber-Whitewright

For horticulture questions call 903-583-7453 or email fanninmastergardeners@gmail.com

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