February gardening tips

Council's Living Smart website partners each month with The Micro Gardener bringing you gardening tips and monthly tasks written especially for our Sunshine Coast climate.

February garden tasks at a glance

• mow and turn lawn clippings, prunings and seed-free weeds into plant food
• keep gutters and drains free of debris
• check any standing water, especially after rain for potential mosquito breeding sites
• fertilise citrus and fruit trees after rain or if you can keep up sufficient watering
• keep up water to bird and bee baths to care for your beneficial insects and pest patrollers
• grow crops in container gardens or Vegepods for easy care and more control over microclimates
• cover plants with shade cloth or netting to protect them from heat, storms and insect damage
• stake climbers like cucumbers, tomatoes and passionfruit to provide support as they grow.

Issues to watch out for

Hot sticky conditions are likely to continue into March and the moist environment creates the perfect environment for diseases. You may need help dealing with:

• soggy sour smelling soil, powdery mildew, black sooty mould and root rot
• replenishing nutrients in the soil
• citrus leaf miners, grasshoppers, caterpillars and other bugs
• your organic fruit fly strategy.

Living Smart

Living Smart supports you on your sustainability journey. You'll find new articles each week covering everything from energy and food to a circular economy and building.

This month find ideas and tips for Valentine's Day sustainable gifting and experiences, plus seasonal gardening tips, recipes and events.