Jump-start the coming growing season with this pre-gardening checklist for February

Get a jump-start on this year's growing season with these tips from the USU Extension, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of USU Extension, St. George News

FEATURE —There is much that can be done now to get a jump-start on the growing season.

The following tips, with links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac, can help get you going.

  • Consider adding a smaller structure such as a low tunnel or a larger high tunnel to extend your growing season.
  • Try your hand at starting vegetables or annual plants indoors from seed to get an early start on growing.
  • Consider growing herbs and/or microgreens indoors to add fresh greens to your diet.
  • If you are storing bulbs, check their condition to make sure they are still firm. Remove any that are soft or rotten.
  • Prune grapes and fruit trees in late February to early March.
  • Fertilize fruit trees at least six weeks before they bloom.
  • Monitor for deer and rodent damage in the landscape.
  • Avoid fungus gnat infestation in house plants by allowing the soil to dry between watering.

Many of USU Extension’s Master Gardener courses will be held virtually or as a combination of virtual and in-person classes this year. Find more information about classes around the state online.

Specific gardening information can be found on this website. Here you will find fruit, vegetable and herb growing guides, information on soil, lawn, yard, tree, shrub and flower care. In addition are monthly tips, the basics of gardening, information on events, classes and more.

Written by JULENE REESE, USU Extension.

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