February Gardening in Alabama
February is when the gardening year starts moving.
Cool-season crops go into the ground, warm-season seeds begin indoors, and potatoes and onions become major priorities.
This Month’s Priorities
Focus on:
- Starting seeds indoors
- Planting potatoes
- Planting onions
- Cool-season vegetables
- Soil preparation
- Orchard pruning
- Frost protection readiness
Start Warm-Season Seeds Indoors
Begin indoor seed starting for:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Some herbs
- Flowers
Use strong grow lights.
A bright window is often not enough.
Plant Irish Potatoes
Central Alabama gardeners often plant Irish potatoes in February.
Adjust timing by region.
Use certified seed potatoes.
Plant into:
- Loose soil
- Good drainage
- Beds that are not saturated
Plant Onions
Set out onion plants suited to Southern day lengths.
Choose:
- Short-day
- Intermediate-day varieties where appropriate
Avoid buying random onion varieties without checking adaptation.
Plant Cool-Season Vegetables
Depending on location and weather, plant:
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Mustard greens
- Collards
- English peas
Watch Soil Conditions
Do not work wet clay.
February rain can leave beds too saturated to till or dig.
Wait until soil is workable.
Prune Fruit Trees
Late winter is a good time to prune many:
- Apples
- Pears
- Peaches
- Plums
Use the correct training system for each species.
Protect Early Plantings
Keep:
- Frost cloth
- Row cover
- Low tunnels
ready.
February weather can swing rapidly.
GardenGrowz Tip
February is the month when planning starts becoming planting.