February 16, 2026
February Garden Checklist for Massachusetts Gardeners
February may be short, but it’s full of opportunity. As the days lengthen and the sun strengthens, gardeners can begin laying real groundwork for early spring planting. This is the perfect month to start seeds indoors, prune certain plants, and check on winter protection outdoors.
Start Cool-Season Seeds Indoors
Veggies like onions, leeks, cabbage, broccoli, and certain flowers benefit from an early start. Set up your grow lights, gather trays and seed-starting mix, and follow variety-specific timing. Starting now gives you sturdy seedlings when outdoor temperatures rise.
Force Branches for Indoor Blossoms
If you’re craving color, clip branches from spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia, quince, or cherry. Bring them indoors, place them in water, and enjoy blooms weeks before they appear outside.
Inspect and Refresh Stored Bulbs, Tubers, and Supplies
If you overwinter dahlia tubers, gladiolus corms, or other tender bulbs, check for softness or rot. Discard damaged pieces and reorganize supplies—stakes, ties, potting mixes—so everything is ready for spring.
Prune Select Trees and Shrubs
February is a good time to prune many fruit trees, hydrangea paniculata, and shade trees while they’re still dormant. Avoid pruning early-spring bloomers now since you’d remove their flower buds. Check out our blog on dormant pruning, and learn what (and what not to) prune in winter!
Check Outdoor Plant Protection
Wind can loosen burlap wraps or dislodge anti-desiccant sprays. Make quick repairs and gently brush off heavy snow from evergreens to prevent bending or breakage.
Make a Garden Budget and Shopping List
From fertilizers to potting soil to new containers, February is ideal for mapping out what you’ll need for the season. It’s also a good time to plan upgrades—like raised beds, drip irrigation, or new shrubs for structure.
Have questions about pruning, seed starting, or winter plant care? Stop into Mahoney’s and let our team help you get set for spring.