Gardening in Alabama in February: Preparing for Spring While Winter Still Lingers

February may still feel like winter across Alabama, but seasoned gardeners know this month is the quiet engine that powers the entire spring growing season. With soil temperatures beginning to rise, daylight slowly increasing, and early buds swelling on fruit trees, February offers a narrow but valuable window to prepare beds, start cool‑season crops, and get ahead of the chores that become overwhelming once March arrives. Across the state-from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast-February is a month of planning, pruning, planting, and protecting.

A Month of Transition in Alabama's Climate

Alabama's diverse geography means February looks a little different depending on where you stand. North Alabama may still see hard freezes, while the southern counties often experience mild days that hint at spring. But statewide, the pattern is the same: winter is loosening its grip, and the soil is waking up.

This transitional period is ideal for tasks that require cool weather, dormant plants, and workable soil. It's also the last chance to get ahead of weeds, pests, and diseases before warm weather accelerates everything.

Preparing the Garden Beds

February is prime time for bed preparation. Gardeners should:

- Clear leftover debris from fall and winter crops

- Add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil

- Test soil pH, especially in vegetable beds and blueberry patches

- Apply lime if needed, giving it time to activate before spring planting

In Alabama's clay-heavy soils, incorporating organic matter now improves drainage and structure before the heavy rains of March.

Cool-Season Planting Begins

One of the biggest advantages of gardening in Alabama is the ability to grow cool-season vegetables long before many other states can. February is the month to plant:

- Onions (sets and plants)

- Irish potatoes

- Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower transplants

- Spinach, lettuce, and kale

- Carrots, beets, and radishes

In South Alabama, these can go in early February. In Central Alabama, mid-month is ideal. North Alabama gardeners often wait until the last week of February or early March, depending on the forecast.

Fruit Trees, Berries, and Vines

Dormant pruning is one of the most important February chores. This is the time to prune:

- Peaches and plums (open-center shape)

- Apples and pears (central leader or modified leader)

- Muscadines and grapes

- Figs (light pruning only)

It's also the perfect month to plant new fruit trees, blueberries, blackberries, and muscadines. Alabama's mild winters allow roots to establish before the heat of summer.

Blueberries especially benefit from February planting, as they require acidic soil and consistent moisture early on.

Lawns and Landscape Beds

While warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia remain dormant, February is the month to:

- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass and spring weeds

- Cut back ornamental grasses before new growth emerges

- Prune roses, especially hybrid teas and floribundas

- Divide and transplant perennials such as daylilies and hostas

Gardeners should avoid fertilizing lawns this early-wait until April when grasses green up naturally.

Seed Starting for Spring

Indoor seed starting ramps up in February. Alabama gardeners can begin:

- Tomatoes

- Peppers

- Eggplant

- Herbs

- Early flowers like marigolds and zinnias

Starting seeds indoors gives plants a head start and ensures strong transplants by late March or early April.

Watch the Weather-And Be Ready to Protect

February is notorious for warm spells followed by sudden cold snaps. Gardeners should keep frost cloth, buckets, or old sheets on hand to protect tender seedlings or early blooms.

Fruit trees, especially peaches, are vulnerable to late freezes. While you can't control the weather, you can avoid stimulating early growth by delaying heavy fertilization until March.

A Month That Sets the Tone for Spring

Gardening in Alabama in February is a blend of anticipation and preparation. It's a month where small tasks-pruning, planting, amending soil, starting seeds-pay enormous dividends once spring arrives in full force. By taking advantage of this transitional period, Alabama gardeners set themselves up for healthier plants, stronger harvests, and a smoother growing season.

February may not look like much from the porch, but in the garden, it's one of the most important months of the year.