Garden in February

The Garden in February

It may still be cold and miserable outside and the last thing on your mind will be gardening, but try to banish those winter blues by reminding yourself of the fact that spring is just around the corner and there are plenty of jobs to do in the garden in preparation for the forthcoming season.

Firstly start preparing the ground for spring planting. Turning the soil is a great way to improve drainage and aeration, giving your plants a better environment to grow in, also try covering the soil with polythene or cloches, this warms the earth so that sowing can take place earlier.

Pruning is another essential task this month. Cut back any perennials, ornamental grasses and summer flowering deciduous shrubs such as Buddleia, to encourage new growth later in the season. Deadhead winter bedding and remove old leaves to encourage a longer flowering period, it also makes the garden look tidier!

Dependent on the weather conditions you can continue to plant shrubs, trees, hedging and roses. If the ground is not frozen, now is also a good time to move any shrubs that may have outgrown their currant location or are in the wrong place. Prepare the new site by adding some compost and bonemeal to help root development and water in well, making sure the soil is firmly pressed around the plant.

If you are going to grow anything in the greenhouse for the forthcoming season, start by steralising it, by cleaning the framework and glazing and any pots or seed trays which you may wish to re-use. This should remove any pests or diseases that may have been in the greenhouse. If the weather is mild you can open vents which will help reduce fungal infections, remember though to shut them before mid afternoon when the temperature starts to drop again. As potential snow and frosts can still be forecast for the month also ensure that your greenhouse heaters are still in working order.

General maintenance on the garden is essential in preperation for spring. Start by removing any dead leaves from the garden and under hedging, this will prevent pests and disease harbouring in the rotting vegetation and causing problems later on. Check protective coverings on newly planted and borderline hardy plants are still secure until the risk of frosts have passed.

Clearing out the garden shed is probably not the most thrilling jobs to do, but if the weather turns this is a great opportunity to clear out any old debris cluttering up your shed. Also clean up your gardening tools such as spades, forks and secateurs to stop them from rusting, and get your lawnmower serviced so that everything is in full working order for spring time.

Once you have done all these tasks, why not make a nice hot mug of tea and sit down and start planning on what to buy for later in the season. February is the best time to start getting your plug plants, seeds and summer flowering bulbs for summer long colour in the garden. Bulbs and tubers such as Gladioli and Dahlias can be started off in pots, as long as they are kept in a frost free place such as a greenhouse or cold frame. Happy gardening!