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Open today 9:00 - 17:00
February is still a dormant month for many garden plants, but longer days and the first signs of spring bring a gradual return to growth. It is a useful time for winter pruning, planting and preparing beds, while some early sowing can begin under cover. Wet, frozen or waterlogged ground may still restrict what can be done outdoors, particularly in colder parts of the UK.
Continue planting bare-root and container-grown trees, shrubs and deciduous hedging while conditions are suitable. Bare-root plants should be planted during dormancy, but delay planting whenever the ground is frozen, waterlogged or too wet to work without damaging the soil structure.
Plant bare-root fruit trees, bushes, canes and vines while they are dormant and before spring growth gets underway. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged soil.
After flowering, congested clumps of snowdrops can be lifted, divided and replanted to establish new groups around the garden. Replant promptly and water them in if conditions are dry.
Cut back deciduous ornamental grasses left standing through winter before fresh growth gets underway. Evergreen grasses generally need only dead or damaged foliage gently removed rather than being cut to the ground.
Complete the winter prune of established wisteria in January or February. Shorten the sideshoots that were pruned in summer to two or three buds, taking care to retain the developing flower buds.
Cut back established Group 3 clematis in February, removing last year’s growth to a low pair of healthy buds. These clematis flower on new growth produced during the coming season.
Prune winter-flowering shrubs such as Mahonia and Viburnum × bodnantense once their flowers have faded, where pruning is needed to control their size or shape. Winter jasmine can also be pruned after flowering.
Cut established autumn-fruiting raspberry canes down to ground level before new shoots emerge. New canes will grow from the base and carry this year’s crop.
Complete winter pruning of established apple and pear trees while they are dormant, ideally before growth resumes. Do not apply the same treatment to stone fruits such as cherries and plums, which are generally pruned in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.
Bush and climbing roses can be pruned towards the end of winter, with timing varying according to local conditions and the type of rose. In colder areas, pruning can be left until March if severe weather is still likely.
Start chitting first early seed potatoes in a cool, bright, frost-free place before planting time. Chitting is optional, but can give early varieties a useful head start.
Clear weeds and prepare vegetable beds when the soil is workable. Add well-rotted organic matter where appropriate, but avoid digging or walking on saturated ground as this can damage the soil structure.
Early-flowering peaches, nectarines and apricots may need protection when frost threatens. Keep any covering clear of the flowers where possible and remove it during the day so pollinating insects can reach them.
February is a good time to start sowing selected flowers and vegetables under cover, particularly those that benefit from a longer growing season. What can be sown successfully depends on the warmth, light and protection available, so later sowing may be better where growing conditions are limited.
From mid-February, sow tomatoes, chillies and aubergines indoors if you can provide the warmth and good light they need as they grow. Crops intended for an unheated greenhouse or outdoors are generally better sown later, when light levels and temperatures have improved.
Clean greenhouse and cold-frame glazing before spring sowing and growing gathers pace. Removing algae and accumulated dirt improves light levels, while clearing old plant debris can help reduce places where pests and diseases persist.
Check tender plants and stored tubers such as dahlias and cannas for signs of rot, frost damage or excessive drying. Make sure winter protection remains secure, particularly after strong winds or severe weather.
Apply organic mulch to established beds and borders while the soil is moist and weeds are under control. Mulching helps improve soil, suppress weeds and conserve moisture later in the growing season.
February is a useful time to renovate overgrown deciduous hedges while they are still dormant and before the main bird nesting season begins. Always check carefully for active nests before starting work and delay pruning if you find one.
Remove faded flowers from winter pansies, violas and other winter bedding as required. Regular deadheading helps keep displays tidy and encourages further flowering as conditions improve.
Visit us in Kington for plants, seeds, seed potatoes, compost, tools and garden care products, or for advice on the jobs to tackle as winter begins to give way to spring.
