WAYNE COUNTY, NC — February is typically a month of transition for gardeners in Wayne County and Eastern North Carolina, but this year’s below-freezing temperatures and rare snowfall have slowed outdoor activity even further. While spring planting is still weeks away, there’s plenty homeowners and gardeners can do now to protect landscapes, prepare gardens, and get a head start on the growing season.
Protect Plants from Freezing Temperatures
Extended cold snaps and snow can stress plants that are accustomed to milder coastal winters.
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Cover tender plants such as camellias, azaleas, gardenias, and newly planted shrubs with frost cloth, old sheets, or burlap during hard freezes. Remove covers during the day to prevent overheating.
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Mulch heavily around the base of plants, trees, and shrubs. A 2–4 inch layer of pine straw, bark, or leaves helps insulate roots from freezing temperatures.
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Water before a freeze if the ground is dry. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil and can help protect roots.
Delay Pruning—With a Few Exceptions
Most pruning should wait until late February or early March.
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Do not prune spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas, forsythia, or hydrangeas yet, as pruning now can remove developing buds.
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Fruit trees such as apples, peaches, and pears can be pruned on mild days once extreme cold passes.
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Remove broken or storm-damaged limbs promptly to prevent disease.
Lawn Care: Less Is More
Warm-season grasses common in Eastern North Carolina, including Bermuda, centipede, and zoysia, are dormant this time of year.
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Avoid walking on frozen or snow-covered lawns to prevent grass damage.
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Hold off on fertilizing until spring green-up.
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Use February as a planning month for weed control and lawn maintenance schedules.
Start Seeds Indoors
While outdoor planting is on hold, February is an ideal time to start seeds indoors.
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Begin cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce indoors.
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Use clean containers and fresh seed-starting mix to reduce disease.
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Place seedlings near a sunny window or under grow lights.
Clean and Prepare Garden Beds
Once snow melts and soil is workable:
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Remove dead plant material and weeds from garden beds.
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Test soil and plan amendments for spring planting.
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Take inventory of tools, seeds, and supplies.
Plan Ahead for Spring
Use winter downtime to plan your garden layout, order seeds, and research plant varieties suited to Eastern North Carolina’s climate.
Despite the cold start, warmer days are ahead. By protecting plants now and preparing carefully, gardeners across Eastern North Carolina can set the stage for a successful and productive spring season.
