February Garden Prep - Zone 9A
Hi Friends!
As most of you know, prep work is one of the most important things that you can do to and for your garden. For any experienced or first-time gardener, it is vital to take the time to prepare yourself and your space for the upcoming months. The best way to determine what you should be doing each month is to go off of your plant hardiness zone.
Hardiness zones are determined by the average annual minimum temperature in each area. Currently, the USDA has determined there are 13 numerical zones. Each numerical zone is then split into two alphabetical zones, A and B. Zone "A" being the less severe temperature of the two. Where zone "B" tends to be on the more end of each numerical zone. The 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map is shown above.
For me and my hot mess, we live in zone 9a. Our numerical zone changed in 2023, (hello warmer earth) and we went from zone 8B to zone 9A. That being said, the following suggestions correlate to zone 9a, however, I highly suggest that everyone does some of these things anyway to either help you prepare for when you prepare to plant in the next few months or to just take some time to organize your life.
(FYI, some of this stuff you are going to see and say "duh" but this blog is for everyone and some may just be getting into gardening and want a full list)
Seed inventory:
Just like it sounds, knowing what your inventory looks like is always helpful. At this time, it is great to review any notes you may have taken about your seeds over the years to help ensure you have what you want.
Checking for Pests:
While it may not seem like the time, checking for pests is an important part of garden prep, investigate any garden beds and any compost. Commonly in zone 9A, we find fire ant piles mixed in both the garden and commonly around our compost bins.
Pruning:
Prune it up! Shrubs and Trees. Cold weather is the perfect time to prune your wooded items. Be sure to follow guides for the best methods of pruning whatever shrubs and trees you have. It is best to prune all dead and decaying limbs during the coldest months to help prevent diseases and plant damage.
Garden Maintenance:
This can mean a variety of things. During the year, our gardens, fences, greenhouses, etc. can take a beating. During the cooler months, it is important to work on evaluating and maintaining your equipment during the cooler months so you aren't caught off guard during your primary season. If you notice items that may be a costly fix, start a list, try your best to prioritize the list to what items will be necessary for first for your season, and work to fix your tools one item at a time.
Garden Planning:
At this point, you have a good idea of your inventory and know what will need to be fixed or maintained. Planning your garden is a super important part of your prep work. Take the time and review your notes from last year (if you have them) to know what went well and what crashed and burned. If this is your first year gardening, take this time to measure your garden space, and look over things options that may fit best for your space. (No matter if you are verticle gardening, going in the ground, or raised beds, it's all gardening) You may also want to look at companion planting charts and see what may best work well together. Take this vital time to try to plan out your garden to best fit you and your family!
Seed Starting and Direct Sowing: While direct sowing may not apply to all zones this month, in zone 9A, you can begin to direct sow some hardier items, including garlic and onions. Seed Starting, however, can be started by everyone. While I don't have any guides up for seed starting yet, do your research on the best methods to start. If you are like me, I am homesteading on a budget, so most of my seeds are started in 1-gallon milk containers. Every homesteader is different. Do not be afraid or worried that you don't have the right equipment. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Expectations: Last on my list for prep is to create a list of expectations and hopes for your garden this year. Remember, no one starts as a master, and learning what works for you and your soil is a process. If you are just starting, this list may be more hopes than anything but make sure you create a list of what you hope to gain out of the garden this year. If you are a slightly more experienced gardener, make a list of what you expect your garden to produce for the year. Keep it in a safe place so you can reflect on it at the end of the growing season!
I know this list is very very basic. As a kid, I grew up in the summertime on my grandparent's farm. My grandpa taught me how to put love into my garden and our livestock. My grandma taught me the basics of homesteading. I wanted to start this blog as a way to grow with a community, learn, and also share my limited knowledge with others about what can be done with even an apartment patio. I look forward to all of the adventures we will go on and share through this journey.
Blessings to you and yours,
J
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