Even With Snow on the Ground, Gardeners in North Georgia and Western North Carolina Find Ways to Get a Head Start on Spring

Even though February’s cold grip still holds much of North Georgia and Western North Carolina — with snow on the ground in many areas — local gardeners are finding practical ways to prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Winter’s chill may delay outdoor planting, but seasonal experts and extension services say there’s plenty that can be done now to lay the groundwork for a successful spring and summer garden.

“February isn’t a time to put your tools away,” said a gardening advisor with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. “It’s a strategic moment to prune, plan and prepare so that when warmer weather arrives, you’re ready.”

Planning and Soil Work

Gardeners can begin preparing beds and planning their spring landscapes while snow is still melting. Tasks include cleaning up debris, removing winter weeds, and planning garden layouts to make efficient use of space and light. Soil can be tested now to determine nutrient needs before planting begins in earnest.

Adding mulch and organic matter to beds can benefit the soil long-term. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, reduces weed pressure, and improves soil structure — all advantages when spring growth starts.

Tools and Equipment Tune-Up

February is also ideal for preparing tools and equipment. Gardeners are advised to sharpen mower blades, change oil, and repair or replace tools so they’re ready for spring lawn and garden maintenance.

Pruning and Maintenance

Many ornamental shrubs and trees benefit from late-winter pruning while they’re still dormant. Cutting back overgrown shrubs and ornamental grasses can shape future growth and encourage healthier plants. However, experts caution against pruning spring-flowering shrubs too early, as this can reduce blooms later in the year.

Seed Starting and Early Plantings

Even with frost likely in the forecast, February offers opportunities to get a jump-start on the gardening season indoors or in protected outdoor environments. Cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, radishes and carrots can be directly sown outdoors later in the month on warmer days in many locations.

Inside, growers are starting seeds for warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants so that seedlings are robust by the time outdoor planting is safe.

Gardeners with cold frames or cloches can also plant hardy greens like arugula or early peas under cover, taking advantage of protected microclimates to get greens growing ahead of the season.

Bulb and Ornamentals Preparation

If you haven’t already planted spring bulbs, late winter is still a good time to check and plant any that are tucked away. Perennial beds can be tidied, and plans made for dividing or relocating plants as needed once soil conditions improve.

Despite winter’s pause on full outdoor gardening activity, February’s chores — from pruning to planning, soil improvement to seed starting — help local gardeners turn snowy days into steps toward vibrant spring gardens. With a little foresight now, the coming growing season could be the most productive yet.