Gardening Tips for February
February may still feel cold and gloomy, but it’s a crucial month for gardeners to get a head start on the growing season. As the days gradually lengthen and signs of early spring appear, there’s plenty to do both indoors and outdoors. From preparing vegetable beds and pruning fruit trees to protecting delicate blossoms and planning for wildlife, these tasks will help ensure your garden flourishes in the months to come. With a little preparation now, you’ll be ready to welcome a vibrant and productive garden this spring! 🌱
1. Prepare Vegetable Seed Beds
As the soil begins to warm, it's an ideal time to prepare your vegetable plots.
Clear Debris: Remove any remaining plant material and weeds from previous seasons.
Soil preparation: Cover the soil with cloches, cold frames, or horticultural fleece to warm it up. Before sowing, rake the soil to a fine tilth. When mild enough, sow seeds in fine drills, water the drills before sowing, and replace the cover.
Pro Tip: For those in milder regions with light soil, consider sowing early varieties of broad beans, carrots, parsnips, and lettuces outdoors.
cherries, or nectarines now to prevent silverleaf disease.
2. Chit Potato Tubers
Encourage strong sprouting in seed potatoes by chitting:
Placement: Arrange seed potatoes in egg boxes or trays with the 'eyes' facing upward.
Environment: Place them in a cool, bright, frost-free location to develop sturdy shoots.
Pro Tip: Starting this process in February ensures your potatoes are ready for planting in March or April.
3. Prune Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Late winter is ideal for pruning certain fruit-bearing plants:
Apples and Pears: Complete pruning before the sap starts to rise.
Avoid Pruning: Refrain from pruning plums, cherries, or nectarines now to prevent silverleaf disease.
Pro Tip: After pruning, feed all fruit trees and bushes with a balanced fertiliser to promote a good crop.
4. Protect Early Blossoms
Safeguard tender blossoms from late frosts:
Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines: On particularly cold nights, cover outdoor blossoms with an old bedsheet or re-used fleece, ensuring insects can access the flowers for pollination during the day.
Pro Tip: Regularly check weather forecasts and have protective materials ready for sudden temperature drops.
5. Maintain Garden Structures
Use this time to inspect and repair garden features:
Pergolas and Arches: Check for stability and address any necessary repairs.
Wooden Furniture: On dry days, rub down and treat wooden garden furniture. Only use paints and preservatives in a well-ventilated area.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance extends the life of your garden structures and keeps them looking their best.
6. Plan for Wildlife
Support beneficial wildlife that aids in garden health:
Bird Feeding: Keep feeders stocked with high-energy foods like suet, peanuts, and seeds to attract birds that help control pests.
Pollinators: Plan to add early-flowering plants like crocus and snowdrops to attract bees when spring arrives.
Pro Tip: Providing fresh water sources can also attract beneficial wildlife to your garden.
