February can feel like the dead of winter, but it’s actually a great time to get a head start on your gardening goals.
While the weather can be unpredictable, there’s still plenty you can do to prepare your garden for the months ahead. Here are some essential tasks from our garden team to focus on this February.
Plan Ahead
Use these quieter days to plan your garden for the year ahead. Sketch out your planting ideas, decide what flowers, vegetables, or shrubs you want to grow, and think about crop rotation if you're into growing food. February is a good time to order seeds and plants online to get ahead of the rush and there's often some great deals to be had too.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
If the weather allows, it’s a good time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and shape. This will encourage healthy growth come spring. However, avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs or forsythia as it may remove buds that will bloom later.
Plant Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs
If the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, February is a good month to plant bare-root trees and shrubs. These plants are often more affordable and establish quicker than those sold in pots. Just make sure to plant them while they’re still dormant, and ensure you water them well once planted.
Start Indoor Seeds
For gardeners eager to get growing, now is the time to start seeds indoors for later transplanting. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and chillies, as well as summer flowers like begonias and geraniums, can be started on windowsills or in a greenhouse.
Prepare Tools
Take some time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools. This will ensure they’re in top shape when you need them later in the season.
With these tasks in mind, February may just be the perfect time to set your garden up for a flourishing spring and summer!
Fancy a little inspiration? Why not take a little tour of our gardens.
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