February in the garden: Laying the groundwork for spring

February may seem like a quiet month in the garden. In reality, it's one of the most important times to prepare for spring. While winter weather still lingers, gardeners can focus on pruning, soil care, cleanup, early pest checks and getting ready to plant. Work done now helps set the stage for a healthy and productive growing season. Prune and prepare woody plants Late winter is the best time to prune many woody plants while they are still dormant. Roses, fruit trees and grapevines can be pruned now, with timing depending on elevation and local microclimate. Try to finish pruning before buds swell and active growth begins. Pruning during dormancy shapes plants, removes dead or diseased wood and improves air circulation. Use clean, sharp tools and remove crossing or crowded branches. If you are unsure how much to cut, UC ANR Placer County Master Gardeners recommend taking a conservative approach. You can always remove more later, but you cannot replace what has been cut. Feed and improve the soil As days grow longer, plants begin preparing for new growth. February is a good time to improve soil health. Add compost or well-rotted manure to beds and around perennials and shrubs. Mulch helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature and reduce early weeds. Some plants benefit from feeding as growth begins. Roses, asparagus, strawberries and young trees and shrubs may be fertilized according to UC ANR guidance. Always follow label directions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth or nutrient runoff during winter rains. Clean up to prevent disease Good garden cleanup helps reduce disease problems later in the season. Remove fallen leaves, spent flowers and any diseased plant material from beds and around trees and shrubs. Winter-blooming plants such as camellias and azaleas can be tidied as flowers fade. If you have had recurring issues, such as brown rot on fruit trees, February may be the right time to apply dormant sprays or fungicides. UC ANR recommends targeted use rather than routine spraying. Pay close attention to timing and weather conditions. Manage pests early February is a good time to begin watching for pests. Aphids may appear on tender new growth. Slugs and snails are often active in cool, damp weather. Early detection makes control easier. UC ANR recommends starting with physical controls whenever possible. Wash aphids off with a strong spray of water. Hand-pick slugs and snails or use barriers. Remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding and clean ponds or water features as needed. Get ready for spring planting It's still early for warm-season crops, but February is active for cool-season vegetables in Placer County. According to the Placer County vegetable planting guide, some crops can be started indoors now. Others may be sown directly in the garden, depending on weather and soil conditions. This is also a good time to divide overcrowded perennials before spring growth accelerates. Check recently planted ornamentals to be sure they are settling in well. Completing these tasks now makes the busy spring months easier to manage. By focusing on these February priorities, gardeners work with the season rather than against it. The result is a garden that enters spring healthier, stronger and ready to grow. For region-specific guidance, gardeners can submit questions through the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County website: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-placer-county/ And, there are still a few copies of the 2026 calendar that gives you daily advice on what to do in the garden.