February always feels like a quiet turning point.

Winter is still holding on here.

After a snowstorm and wintery mix left us under six to eight inches of ice, we’re not quite in the dirt yet. This coming week brings our first days above 40 ° and nights out of the single digits, and we’re hopeful it will be just enough to begin thawing soil and filling seed trays.

Outdoors, I’m finishing dormant pruning, refreshing mulch, and checking overwintered herbs. Indoors, seeds and catalogs are spread out, plans are forming, and the dreaming has begun.

The bees are still resting, but everything is quietly getting ready. If we have any sunny days above 50°, we’ll take a quick peek to see how the hives fared during the prolonged cold.

February is about readiness, not rushing. The days are lengthening, and the garden knows what’s coming.