As we move into February, the days are slowly getting longer, and the promise of spring is just around the corner. There’s plenty you can do in your garden this month to ensure it thrives when the warmer weather arrives.

Whether you're focusing on your flowerbeds, vegetable patch, or greenhouse, February is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for a beautiful and productive garden.

Here are some top gardening tips for February:

1. Plant Containers with Durable Spring Bedding Plants

Now’s the time to start filling up your outdoor containers with hardy spring bedding plants. Look for tough varieties like primroses, wallflowers, and forget-me-nots that can withstand the cooler temperatures and bring a pop of colour to your garden as the season transitions. These plants are perfect for brightening up your patio or doorstep and can endure the chilly days of February, offering some early blooms.

2. Feed Roses and Flowering Shrubs

If you have roses or other flowering shrubs in your garden, now is an ideal time to give them a little extra boost. Apply a slow-release fertiliser around the base of your plants to encourage healthy growth. Slow-release fertilisers provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, helping to promote vibrant flowers and strong root systems come spring.

3. Chit First-Early Potato Tubers

Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, and it’s time to start thinking about them. Place first-early potato tubers in trays in a light, frost-free location. This process, known as “chitting,” allows the tubers to sprout before planting. By giving them a head start now, you’ll be rewarded with an earlier harvest in the summer.

4. Enhance the Soil with Compost or Manure

A key to a thriving garden is healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Spread garden compost or well-rotted manure over your beds, and then fork it in. This will enrich the soil, improve its structure, and help retain moisture. Adding compost and manure also introduces beneficial microorganisms, which promote plant growth and help suppress disease.

5. Clean Your Greenhouse for Maximum Light

If you have a greenhouse, February is the perfect time to give it a thorough clean. Wipe down the glazing both inside and out to remove dirt and algae. This will help maximize light penetration, which is crucial for plants that are getting an early start. Clean windows and surfaces will also reduce the risk of pests and diseases spreading in your greenhouse.

6. Move Deciduous Shrubs While Dormant

If any of your deciduous shrubs are in the wrong spot, now’s the time to move them. Since the shrubs are still dormant in February, they won’t be stressed by the move. Choose a dry, calm day to dig them up carefully, making sure to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible. Replant them immediately in their new location, ensuring they have enough space to grow.

7. Prune Climbers

February is a great time to cut back climbers like ivy and Virginia creeper, especially if they’ve become too large or have outgrown their space. These plants can quickly take over walls, fences, and trellises, so it’s a good idea to keep them in check before the bird nesting season begins in March. Cut back any overhanging growth and tidy up the plants to maintain a more controlled shape.

8. Prepare Vegetable Beds for Sowing

To get a head start on your vegetable garden, it’s essential to prepare your beds now. Begin by thoroughly weeding your vegetable beds to remove any unwanted growth. After that, apply a thick layer of garden compost. This will enrich the soil and improve its texture, providing the perfect foundation for sowing seeds in the coming months.

February 01, 2025