Timely Tips

What to Do in February 2026
Weekly Gardening Timely Tips from
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County

Feb. 8-14

Perennials: Take a look at stored bulbs of tuberous begonia, canna, dahlia and gladiolus. Compost any that are dried out and trash those that are rotting. Repack sound begonias, cannas and dahlias in clean peat moss or vermiculite that is just slightly moist and keep them in a cool place. Gladiolus bulbs should have full air circulation and may be packed loosely in an open crate or paper bag. The bulbs will keep best in a location that stays between 50°F and 65°F. Do not pack any tender bulbs more than two layers deep.

Flowers: Here’s how to make a Valentine’s bouquet last longer: Recut stems on an angle underwater, discarding any leaves that would be submerged. Use a packet of flower preservative in the water, and display the flowers in a cool place (optimally around 65°F) out of direct sunlight.

Fruits and Vegetables: You can start seeds indoors of slow growing leeks and onions (and celery if you’d like a challenge), for transplant in late March or early to mid-April. Follow growing directions on the seed packet or catalog. Onion “sets” are also available at garden centers and through mail orders. Purchase or schedule arrival in early spring for planting when the soil is likely to be dry enough to be worked.

Trees and Shrubs: Ensure that winter plant protection is still in place. Adjust plant stakes, fencing and windbreak materials as needed. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) egg masses may be present on trees and many landscape surfaces. SLF is a major agricultural threat that can kill crops (grapes, fruit trees and others) and affect landscape plants. Seehttps://nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly/Report sightings by sending an image to ReportSLF.com and crush as many eggs as you can find. Use a card to scrape them off of surfaces into a sealable bag, squish and discard in trash.

Houseplants: Clean leftover pots now so you can use them later when you need them. Soak the pots to loosen potting mix and mineral deposits that have adhered to surfaces, and use a stiff brush to remove the residue and any debris. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

General: Learn about the connection between people and plants in the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester 2026 Home Garden Lecture Series: The People-Plant Connection.

Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 10 to 11 am, remote on Zoom, $5. All lectures are remote on Zoom. A ticket to any single remote lecture is $5 and the tour is $20 (while there is space).

Speaker: Judy Rozanski is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. She pursued her interest in horticulture after retiring from teaching. She holds certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in Horticultural Therapy and in Gardening. Judy Enjoys sharing her horticultural knowledge with others as a Master Gardener Volunteer. Check out the brochure at https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29 For more information, please call CCE at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or email westchester@cornell.edu

Last updated February 7, 2026