February Garden Tasks: Protect Plants, Feed Birds & Prep for Spring

February tests gardeners with cold, snow, and fluctuating conditions. Proactive care now prevents damage and supports wildlife.

Plant Protection

• Light snow cover: Add mulch (straw, evergreen boughs) around perennials. Avoid straw near woody plants if mice are active—they nest and girdle bark.
• Heavy snow: Rake roof between storms to prevent ice dams. Don't dump snow on plants from roof—crushes branches. Use teepee frames over prized specimens.
• Settling snow: Gently scoop away from plants; hand-remove from branches.
• Shoveling: Pile snow on perennial beds (insulates). Avoid salt-contaminated snow. Don't bury plants under feet of plow snow—delays spring emergence.

Winter Bird Care

• Feeders: Check every few days. Black oil sunflower + white millet attract cardinals, goldfinches, chickadees, nuthatches. Cracked corn for jays, doves. Suet for woodpeckers.
• Hygiene: Clean monthly with 1 oz bleach/gallon water. Rinse, dry, refill. Shake hanging feeders to loosen compaction. Sweep platform hulls daily.
• Water: Heated birdbath with auto shut-off. Grounded 3-prong outlet for safety.

February diligence pays off in healthy plants and vibrant birdlife come spring.