Southeast February Garden Checklist: Sustainability and Early Tasks

Before the season kicks in, evaluate your landscape’s sustainability: water, chemicals, compost, rainwater, right plant/right place, mulch. Make this the year for a more eco-friendly approach.

Pinch Annuals

Pinch spent pansy blooms to maintain peak flowering through spring.

Cut Back Perennials

Cut back liriope now—don’t wait until new growth emerges, or you’ll damage it. Remove spreading solid-green liriope to restore original pattern (e.g., alternating X).

Plant Peonies

Fall is ideal, but February works. Crown just above soil line. They need cold to set buds. Fertilize now so nutrients are ready for spring growth.

Enjoy Bulbs

Fertilize tulips/daffodils as foliage rises (10-10-10 or bulb-specific). Force paperwhites and hyacinths indoors for early cheer.

Tame Vines

Late winter: cut back wisteria, Virginia creeper, ivy, Japanese honeysuckle.

Plant Trees and Shrubs

If ground isn’t frozen, plant now. Ample mulch in hole and over root ball—keep mulch off trunk.

Fertilize Flowering Ornamentals

February is the time. Composted leaf mulch provides most nutrients; supplement with organic fertilizer after soil test.

Prepare New Beds

Warm day: mark bed, layer newspaper, top with composted leaf mulch. For existing beds, fork in organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

Add Lime to Fig Trees

Southeast soils are acidic; figs prefer sweeter soil. Soil test determines amount—often ~2 cups dolomitic lime.

Manage Pests

Pick up fallen camellia blooms to prevent disease spread.