Gardening Tips in February

What a wonderful sight to see snowdrops; crocuses, and winter aconites all in flower among the dead and brown borders. With the daffodils not far behind, things are really starting to spring into life; however there is still the threat of snow fall and heavy frosts this month, so keep a watchful eye on plants that are prone to damage - especially evergreen plants whose branches can be damaged under the weight of the snow.

Propagation

Towards the end of this month you can start sowing some early crops like pelargoniums, snapdragons, sweet peas, lobelias and begonias but they will have to have a heated greenhouse or propagator.

Start tender perennials under cover into growth.

Start dahlia tubers into growth.

Pruning

Prune trees and shrubs to shape. This involves thinning out unwanted branches and lifting crowns slightly.

Prune winter flowering shrubs that have finished flowering, including winter heathers; also prune hardy evergreen trees and shrubs.

It is your last chance to cut back overgrown shrubs and trees before the birds start nesting.

Prune roses in southern regions.

Prune summer flowering shrubs that flower on new wood including jasmines and late flowering summer flowering clematis.

Planting

As long as the ground isn’t completely frozen you still are able to plant shrubs and trees.

Plant and divide snowdrops and winter aconites after they have flowered but still in leaf.

Edibles

Sow some small quantities of lettuce, summer cabbages and cauliflowers, radishes, carrots, spinach, salad onions, turnips, peas and broad beans. You can start with all these on the windowsill then growing them in good light.

Prepare seedbeds for vegetables.

This is a good month to plant bare-rooted fruit trees and bushes.

Towards the end of this month apply an organic fertiliser to all fruit trees, although you won’t have noticed - the sap starts to rise and trees are awakening from the big sleep.

Indoors plants/Glasshouses

Now is the time to get those glasshouse heaters fired up to protect any tender plants and cuttings that you have. Insulate the inside of the greenhouse with (you guessed it) bubble wrap. Also insulate your cold frames; and on really cold nights cover the cold frame with an extra layer. Although the air is colder now this should not prevent you from ventilating your greenhouse and cold frames on the sunnier days of the month. This will prevent stale air and the dreaded spread of damping off.

Maintenance

Plants will still need watering this month but go easy and be careful not to over water. The soil should only be slightly damp - nearly dry. Mulch around all fruit trees and shrubs that have been pruned.

Protect newly planted trees and shrubs from harsh winds and severe weather.

Check tree ties and stakes against high winds.

Keep on top of winter-germinating weeds.

Continue to lift and divide overgrown clumps of herbaceous perennials. Make sure the garden birds have food and water on the colder days of the month.

Plants that look good at this time of the year

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