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Ask an Expert: February pre-gardening checklist

A few different plant bulbs in a white room. One is vibrant in color and standing up, while about four others are less vibrant and are in a pile together.
Kaptured by Kaisa
/
Unsplash
Bulbs that have been stored should be checked to make sure they aren't soft or rotten.

Much can be done now to get a jumpstart on the growing season. The following tips can help get you going:

  1. Consider adding a smaller structure to your garden. Smaller structures, such as a low tunnel or a larger high tunnel, can help to extend your growing season.
  2. Get a jumpstart on growing your crops. Try your hand at starting vegetables or annual plants indoors from seed.
  3. Consider growing herbs and/or micro-greens indoors to add fresh grains to your diet.
  4. If you're storing bulbs, check their condition to make sure they're still firm. Remove any that are soft or rotten.
  5. Prune grapes and fruit trees in late February to early March.
  6. Fertilize fruit trees at least six weeks before they bloom.
  7. Monitor for deer and rodent damage in the landscape.
  8. Avoid fungus gnat infestation in house plants by allowing the soil to dry between watering.

Specific gardening information can be found at garden.usu.edu. Here, you will find fruit, vegetable, and herb growing guides. You'll also find information on soil, lawn, yard, tree, shrub, and flower care.

In addition, you will find monthly tips, the basics of gardening, and information on events, classes, and more.

All my life, I have loved writing and sharing stories. Since I joined UPR in 2022, those stories have had a lot more fact-checking and a lot fewer magical animals, but they've brought me just as much joy. I've also found a secret love for announcing on-air, which my family would probably tell you is no surprise considering how many hours they've listened to me ramble.