Jobs for the garden - February

Springing into action

February – the month of awakening! For several months, plants and wildlife have been hibernating and finding somewhere warm to wait out the colder weather, and whilst February is one of the chilliest months, as we move towards March life springs into action.

This month, jobs in the garden are still in maintenance mode. Work is busy in the greenhouse, and we can start to look at planting out some hardier shrubs and crops.

February is very much the ‘ready’ in ‘Get set, ready, go’. The soil should be prepped and ready, tools ready to go, planting at the ready and ready to hit March running.

March is on the horizon where we will pick up the pace and the new season kicks in with vigour! Make the most of February whether in the garden or making plans for a fantastic few months of growth.

In the flower garden

• February the month to prune! Cut back ornamental grasses before new shoots start to appear.
• Cut wisteria right back and remove side shoots.
• Cut back amaryllis heads as soon as they fade.
• Prune late flowering clematis.
• Remove yellowing leaves from overwintering plants to prevent the spread of disease.
• Pot containers with hardy spring bedding. There is a great range to choose from – lobelia, wallflowers – the choice is yours!
• In the greenhouse pinch out the side shoots from autumn sown sweet peas and sow summer bedding such as cosmos and lobelia in trays.
• Divide large clumps of snowdrops.
• Continue to plant bare root roses and shrubs. Before planting into the ground, add Vitax Q4 Rootmore with Mycorrhizal Fungi to help roots establish quickly and boost growth.
• Sprinkle a slow-release fertiliser such as Vitax Organic Rose Food around the base of roses and shrubs to support the new growth cycle as spring approaches.
• Anemones, lilies and allium bulbs can now be planted.
• Plant dahlia tubers in pots to encourage shoots to develop. Store in a dry, frost-free environment.
• Check houseplants to ensure they have not dried out. Check for aphids and insects who may be nestled amongst the leaves.

Preparing crops

• Finish pruning fruit trees and soft fruits canes and plant new bare fruit canes for the new season.
• Protect blossom on soft fruit trees with a fleece or similar covering.
• Apply a winter wash and tree bands to fruit trees to protect them for summer fruiting. Take a look at the ‘Protect trees in winter for summer success’ blog for more information.
• Chit early potatoes in preparation for planting out in 4-6 weeks as the soil starts to get warmer. Take a look at the ‘How to chit early potatoes’ blog for a head start.
• Sow seeds such as beetroot, chillies, broad beans etc in the greenhouse.
• Sow lettuce, cress and herbs regularly to have a continuous fresh supply. These can be grown indoors on a windowsill or in the greenhouse.
• Plant rhubarb and lift and divide established clumps.
• Start to prepare beds for the new season. Add 6X Natural Fibrous Fertiliser to condition the soil and weed.
• Plan crop rotation.

General upkeep

• Make sure all tools are washed with Greenhouse Disinfectant and all machinery serviced.
• Clean bird feeders, bird baths, water butts, plant pots and troughs etc.
• Check canes, plant supports and repair.
• Make seed balls to attract birds, these will also help with insects once they start to awaken.
• This month is home to National Nestbox Week (14-21 February), a great time to add nestboxes to the garden.
• Check sheds for leaks and repair.

The new season is upon us, and spring is definitely in the air as the soil starts to warm. All we need now is some fair weather to ensure final preparations are in place, and then we are ready to go!