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February Newsletter

Hello Backyard Farmers,

February (thankfully, the shortest month of the year) has had some interesting weather swings. However, Spring is just around the corner, and although it's still cold, now is the time to start preparing for the upcoming growing season. By February 28th, Nebraska will have 11 hours, 15 minutes, 31 seconds of daylight. Counting down the days. 😁🌱🌅


"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream."      -  Barbara Winkler


Donate to Backyard Farmer during Glow Big Red

Backyard Farmer needs your support to raise money for our internship program, and to build a brand new greenhouse. 


Video: City Sprouts, the Evolution of Urban Farming

Omaha City Sprouts


Video: Ordering Plants & Seeds from Catalogs

Last month was all about pruning, cutting back, and cleaning up. Now is the time to finalize your gardening plans, and order seeds and supplies. To get you started on the right foot, here is everything you need to know about seed catalogs. 


Ordering Plants & Seeds From Catalogs


Cool-Season Crops

As we approach the end of the month, start your indoor seeds for cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce. These cool season crops grow well in soil temps of 55 degrees, so they could be ready for transplanting to the garden by the end of March/early April. 


Video: Early Greens



Soil Testing and Amendment

As soon as your ground is not frozen or covered in snow, test the soil in your garden and amend as needed with compost or fertilizers. Testing your soil is easy and costs around $15 at one of the Nebraska soil labs.  


Nebraska Soil Testing Labs


BYF Website: Soils & Compost



Growing Innovation: Hydroponics 

Building a hydroponic system at home is a great way to grow fresh, healthy plants year-round without soil. Hydroponics maximizes growth by delivering nutrients directly to the roots, making it an efficient and sustainable way to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits indoors.


Article: Hydroponics for a Growing Population


Video: Building Hydroponics at Home


Register: March 8, Workshop to build a Hydroponics system (cost: $35)



Managing Houseplants

Monitor houseplants and any overwintering outdoor plants for pests like spider mites or scale insects.


Video: Houseplant Insect Control


BYF Website: Controlling Aphids



Upcoming Events

GRO Big Red Virtual Learning: Starting a Vegetable Garden 

Date: Feb. 12, 2025

Time: 12 - 1pm CT

Zoom: Registration

Details: Discover the joy of vegetable gardening in this beginner-friendly class with Urban Ag Instructor, Dana Freeman. Learn essential tips for planning, planting and maintaining your garden, plus solutions to common challenges. Grow your gardening skills from the ground up!

Plant Talk: The Importance of Greenspaces in Healthcare Facilities - A Panel Discussion with Nebraska Experts

Date: Feb. 13, 2025

Time: 12 - 1pm CT

Zoom: Registration

Details: Healthcare experts at Syracuse Area Health and Florence Home Healthcare/Royale Oaks Assisted Living in Omaha will discuss about benefits of integrating green spaces into healthcare facilities. The administrators behind these green infrastructure projects will also offer insights into why and how they supported these green infrastructure projects.


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