THE OPTIMISTIC FARMER-February 2026
- theoptimisticfarme
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
2026 February Edition
Tall and (Small) Tales from the Great Basin of Northeast Nevada
Some of the things we love about February: even though it's likely still cold with days of rain and snow, it's also a short month. With March knocking on our door, it's time to focus more on preparation and planning. Hopefully you remember where you put all your tools and supplies—and of course you cleaned and organized them in the fall—but there's probably a little dust that needs wiping off. This is also a good time to take note of wants and needs for the coming season.
News from the garden
Making a list is always a good way to mentally organize your various tasks. Most of us have used grocery lists, so keeping a "get to do" list for your garden ideas and duties can be equally helpful. Since most garden tasks aren't urgent, a list allows you to work through items as time permits while feeling accomplished as you cross things off. Apps like Notes make it easy to add items as inspiration strikes.
Innovations and Ideas
It's been said before, but it can never be said enough: buy yourself a good pair of pruners. While plants are dormant is a good time to prune (see more information in the Last, but Not Least section below). Back to pruners—spend a little extra for a good pair. You'll likely be using them regularly, whether planning, planting, or harvesting. A good pair of pruners is a gardener's must-have!
Inner Work
Enough said...
Plants in Science:
You may or may not be aware that composting is a complex biological process transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments—it's science! If you're a fan of The Optimistic Farmer, you'll already know about all the science-y gloriousness of composting. It just so happens that February is a great month to spread your compost and mulch. You're likely to have some nice days between the snowy and rainy ones, and spreading compost and mulch this month helps mitigate weeds before they have a chance to germinate. It also helps with moisture retention, provides shelter for beneficial bugs, and gives the soil nourishment—a trifecta of goodness!
If you're new to composting, start with just a small kitchen counter bin where you throw your food scraps. It's amazing how quickly you accumulate compost-worthy materials. Scraps from vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds are all great to start with. You can even use a coffee can under your sink and, when it's full, add it to your compost pile outside. Some gardening rebels even dig a hole and add it directly to the garden.
Last, but Not Least: Pruning and hardwood cuttings
The coming weeks are usually a good time to do some pruning—and also to propagate from hardwood cuttings if you're so inclined! The two tasks usually work hand in hand. When you prune, try to prune with purpose: roses, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs should be pruned with a focus on shaping and removing deadwood. Below you'll see some diagrams with helpful tips and tricks for pruning.
For our last topic, we'll discuss propagating a plant from a hardwood cutting. Blueberries, grapes, elderberries, and figs are all candidates for hardwood propagation, along with trumpet vine, roses, and jasmine. There's a large list of possible candidates for hardwood propagation, so be experimental!
Below are a few tips if you want to attempt propagation!
Find twigs that are about pencil thick
Find the junction where one-year-old growth joins the two-year-old wood
Use sharp, sanitized pruners to take cuttings 6-10” long, leaving at least ¼” below the base bud
Scrape off the bark of the bottom end of the bud
Dip the bottom of each cutting in a rooting hormone to stimulate quicker root growth
Insert cuttings into a potting mix or a 50/50 blend of peat moss and sand
Leave ¼ to ⅓ of the cutting exposed above the soil line
Keep damp, but do not overwater
Place cuttings in a greenhouse, cold frame, or bright windowsill
Wait several weeks to months until you see visible growth, then up-pot or transplant
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