Carrying on from our previous post, here is some advice on getting your garden up and running in February.
What to do in the garden in February
February is an exciting month, spring is almost here and you will start seeing the first signs of the garden coming to life. Weather-wise, February is a generally colder month with a fair amount of snow, frost and showers. Generally, there is more sunshine this month than in January but be sure to keep an eye on the forecast, there could be some surprise winter turns to come.
If the weather isn't cooperative, you could spend the time indoors with a bit of garden planning, revisit your spring to-do list from the months before to get an idea of how you would like to arrange your planting this year. You could also look at purchasing compost and any extra supplies in anticipation of the better weather ahead.
There are still jobs that need doing this month, such as mulching, cutting back and checking on your overwintering plans. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, it's worth getting some netting put up to stop intruders feasting on your plants!
As always during winter, ensure bird feeders and or bird tables are stocked with plenty of food as their natural resources are reduced during the colder months.
If the weather isn't cooperative, you could spend the time indoors with a bit of garden planning, revisit your spring to-do list from the months before to get an idea of how you would like to arrange your planting this year. You could also look at purchasing compost and any extra supplies in anticipation of the better weather ahead.
There are still jobs that need doing this month, such as mulching, cutting back and checking on your overwintering plans. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, it's worth getting some netting put up to stop intruders feasting on your plants!
As always during winter, ensure bird feeders and or bird tables are stocked with plenty of food as their natural resources are reduced during the colder months.
Ornamental Garden:
- In late February, cutback hard (coppice) all coloured stemmed cornus (Dogwood) to within 15cm of the ground. This will maximise the number and quality of coloured stems on display for the the following year.
- Heavy snowfalls – Gently shake off shrubs to prevent damage.
- Prune Roses creating an open outward facing framework.
- Prune clematis (late/summer flowering).
- Re-shape borders with edging iron.
- In late February – cutback deciduous grasses.
- Remove weeds from borders as necessary.
- Prune out dead; diseased or damaged wood from trees and shrubs.
- Complete pruning of Apple/ fruit trees if not already done.
- Mulch borders if not already done in autumn – taking care of emerging bulbs.
- Cut back side shoots of wisteria, pruning to two to three buds.
- Plant new climbers such as clematis / honeysuckle.
- Prune summer flowering deciduous shrubs that flower on the current year’s growth – eg buddleja, lavatera.
- Sow hardy annuals for summer colour.
- Start pricking out seedlings that are already growing.
- Prune winter flowering shrubs when the flowers have started to fade.
