February is a good month to get started in the vegetable garden. If you love fresh garden peas, not the ones in the can, now is the time to plant some in the garden.  There are varieties that grow on a trellis and others that grow like a bush without a trellis. Be sure to select the right one.

Other crops to plant now include arugula, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cilantro, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, onions, parsley, parsnips, garden peas, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, swiss chard and turnips.  Some of these, like lettuce, can be planted in a container that can be brought indoors on nights when there is a frost expected, or a row cover can be used to protect the tender new growth.

If growing tomatoes from seed, it’s time to get those seeds ready to start. Keep them moist and warm. When the seeds germinate a grow light may be needed to keep the seedlings from stretching (getting leggy) and having weak stems.

Fruit trees, blueberries, and grapevines can also be pruned this time of year. A key to pruning most fruit trees, grapes and berries is air circulation. Good air circulation is key to reducing the likelihood of fungal diseases on the fruit.