As the winter chill begins to thaw, Peninsula gardeners are eagerly anticipating the vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests of the coming season. But before the first sprouts emerge, there's important groundwork to be laid. The experts at the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County have shared their top tips for making the most of your garden this February.
Grafting Greatness
One of the season's most exciting projects is grafting - the process of joining two plant parts to create a new, hybrid variety. "Grafting is a great way to expand the diversity of your orchard or landscape," explains Master Gardener Kathryn Mullin. "By grafting, you can combine the desirable traits of different plants, like cold hardiness, disease resistance, and unique flavors."
The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring, when plants are still dormant. Mullin recommends taking a grafting class or consulting the Gardening Know How guide to master the technique. With a little practice, you can create custom fruit trees, roses, and more to elevate your garden.
Sowing for Summer
While the cool, wet weather may have you dreaming of sun-drenched summer days, now is the perfect time to start planting for the warmer months ahead. "February is prime time to get your summer vegetables started from seed," advises Master Gardener Anita Vickers. "Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants need a head start indoors before transplanting outside."
The UC Master Gardeners' February tips also recommend planting cool-weather favorites like lettuce, peas, and radishes directly in the garden. By staggering your plantings, you can enjoy a continuous harvest all season long.
Weed Wars
Of course, no garden is complete without the eternal battle against weeds. "February is a critical time to get a head start on weed management," cautions Mullin. "Pull them before they have a chance to flower and spread their seeds." The Palo Alto Online article also advises using mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture in your beds.
What this really means is that Peninsula gardeners have a lot of work ahead of them this February. But by mastering the art of grafting, sowing for summer, and waging war on weeds, you'll be well on your way to a thriving, bountiful garden in the months to come.