February 2026 Garden Tasks

Episode Transcript

Hey there, green thumbs and dirt enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast, where we dig into all things gardening in the Mid-Ohio Valley. I'm your host, John Morgan, coming to you from the heart of Bob's Market and Greenhouses. It's February 2026, and if you're like me, you're itching to shake off those winter blues and get your hands dirty. Today, we're chatting about February garden tasks that'll have you prepped and pumped for spring. Let's jump in, shall we?

First off, let's talk pruning—because nothing says "I love my garden" like giving it a good haircut. This month is prime time to prune your berry bushes, like those juicy blueberries, thorny blackberries, and trusty elderberries. And don't forget the fruit trees! They'll thank you with bigger, better harvests come summer. But here's the pro tip: only prune on days when temps are above freezing. Nobody wants frostbite, right? Not you, and definitely not your plants. Grab those sharp shears, make clean cuts, and focus on removing dead or crossing branches to keep things airy and healthy.

Speaking of pruning, let’s bring a little life indoors during these chilly days, why not force some branches for a burst of indoor cheer? Snip a few from forsythia, pussy willow, or even fruit trees like apple or pear. Bruise the ends, pop 'em in water, and mist them often. Keep 'em cool at first, then move to warmth once they start budding. It's like fast-forwarding spring right in your living room! We dove deeper into this in this week's blog post over at bobsmarket.com—check it out for step-by-step tips.

Now, if you're dreaming of fresh veggies, it's time to start seeds indoors for those cool-weather champs: broccoli, cabbage, collards, and kale. These guys are tough cookies and love an early start. Use a moist seed-starting mix, keep 'em under lights for about 14 hours a day, and maintain that soil moisture without drowning them. Think of it as tucking in your garden babies for a cozy nap before the big outdoor adventure. They'll be ready to transplant when the weather warms up in mid to late March, giving you a head start on salads and stir-fries.

While you're at it, double-check those seed orders and supplies. March is right around the corner, knocking like an impatient neighbor. Make sure you've got everything from pots to fertilizers—trust me, you don't want to be scrambling when the planting frenzy hits.

And hey, since it's February, let's not forget Valentine's Day! Show your gardener some love this year. Maybe treat them to a shiny new set of tools—a fancy pruner or a ergonomic trowel. Because who needs chocolates when you can have something that lasts longer than a sugar rush? It's all about growing romance.

Shifting gears to the weather outlook: After those brutal weeks in the deep freeze, we're finally thawing out. Temps climbing into the 50s? That's practically shorts weather around here! It'll feel like a tropical vacation compared to the start of the month. Perfect excuse to bundle up just a tad and get outdoors for some of that pruning or garden prep. Mother Nature's giving us a break—let's make the most of it.

Alright, folks, that's a wrap on February's tasks. Remember, gardening's not just about the plants; it's about the joy of growing along with them. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates on our Spring Color Tour here at Bob's Market—a behind-the-scenes peek at our massive greenhouse facility, ranked 7th in the US for seedling production. It's a riot of colors and a great way to kick off the season. Also, mark your calendars for March 2nd to the 6th: Green Career Week, in collaboration with Seed Your Future. Tons of fun insights into horticulture careers.

Thanks for tuning in—keep warm, keep an eye to spring, and of course – keep growing.

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