February is one of the most important transitional months in the Syrian agricultural calendar; it represents the end of the peak cold and the beginning of sap flow in many plants. This month is the final opportunity for winter planting and the first window for preparing spring crops.
Planting Deciduous Trees: This month is considered the final and optimal deadline for planting (Apples, Pears, Peaches, Almonds, Figs, and Pomegranates). Planting must be completed before bud burst to ensure the success of the root system.
Vineyard Planting (Grapes): Rooted cuttings or saplings are planted in permanent soil during this month.
Pruning: This is the last call for pruning fruit trees and vines before spring activity begins, with the necessity of painting large cut areas with pruning mastic to protect the tree from fungal diseases.
Potatoes (Spring Season): Planting potato tubers begins in most Syrian regions during February, making it one of the most strategic plantings for this month.
Onions and Garlic: Planting of "sets" and cloves can be completed in late regions, as temperatures begin to rise gradually, stimulating rapid vegetative growth.
Legumes (Beans and Peas): Maintenance and weeding operations continue for previously planted crops, and short-cycle varieties can be planted in some irrigated areas.
Tobacco Nursery Preparation: Farmers in coastal and central regions begin preparing tobacco nurseries and sowing seeds under plastic covers.
Transplanting tomato, pepper, and eggplant seedlings into permanent (unheated) greenhouses occurs in coastal and warm regions, while taking protective measures against sudden cold snaps.
Nitrogen Fertilization: Wheat and barley farmers begin adding the first dose of nitrogen fertilizer (Urea or Ammonium Nitrate) coinciding with rainfall or irrigation to stimulate the "Tillering" process.
Weed Control: Commencing spraying operations to control broad-leaf and narrow-leaf weeds in cereal fields to ensure they do not compete with the crop for nutrients and water.
The Gist: February is the "Month of Decisiveness"; delaying the planting of fruit saplings or spring potatoes beyond this month may lead to a significant decline in success rates and final productivity.
Based on analyzing 100 similar cases, we provide these exclusive insights:
Effect of Moon Phases: Many traditional Syrian farmers prefer planting tubers during the "waning moon" to encourage downward root energy.
What is the difference? There is a clear distinction between Winter Pruning and Spring Pinching. February pruning is structural and heavy, while spring work is for directing growth.
Psychological Perspective: The "February sun" can be deceptive. It triggers sap flow, but sudden frosts can still occur. This period requires a "balanced mindset"—hope for growth but readiness for protection.
Action Point: If you are adding Urea to wheat, do it just before a light rain. If the rain is too heavy, the nitrogen will leach; if it doesn't rain, it will evaporate.
