February Jobs

What to do in the garden in February

February is when the garden starts to stir. Snowdrops, crocuses and early bulbs begin to show, and daylight is noticeably longer. It is still a cold month in the UK, with frost, snow and sharp showers all possible, so keep one eye on the forecast. A mild week can quickly turn wintry again.

This is a key month for preparation and early action. If the weather keeps you indoors, use the time to refine your spring planting plans, organise seeds and order compost and supplies before the rush. Getting ahead now makes March and April far more manageable.

There is still plenty to do outside. Mulching, pruning and checking overwintering plants will protect your garden and encourage strong growth as temperatures rise. Stay alert for pests and disease, and use netting where needed to protect crops from birds and other hungry visitors.

As through the rest of winter, keep bird feeders and tables topped up. Natural food sources remain limited and garden birds rely on regular support.

Ornamental garden jobs in February

• In late February, coppice coloured stemmed cornus to around 15 cm from the ground to promote vibrant new stems for next winter.
• Gently shake heavy snow from shrubs to prevent breakage.
• Prune roses to create an open, outward facing framework.
• Prune late and summer flowering clematis.
• Reshape borders with an edging iron for a clean finish ahead of spring.
• Cut back deciduous grasses towards the end of the month.
• Remove weeds from borders before they establish.
• Prune dead, diseased or damaged wood from trees and shrubs.
• Complete pruning of apple and other fruit trees if not already done.
• Mulch borders, taking care not to smother emerging bulbs.
• Prune wisteria side shoots back to two or three buds.
• Plant new climbers such as clematis and honeysuckle.
• Prune summer flowering shrubs that bloom on new growth, such as buddleja and lavatera.
• Sow hardy annuals for summer colour.
• Prick out seedlings once large enough to handle.
• Prune winter flowering shrubs once blooms begin to fade.

Vegetable garden jobs in February

• Continue chitting seed potatoes in a cool, light, frost free space.
• Sow broad beans, lettuce and other hardy crops in a greenhouse or cold frame for an early harvest.
• Remove yellowing leaves from brassicas to maintain plant health.
• Prepare asparagus beds by weeding thoroughly and mulching with organic matter.
• Apply a balanced general fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone to borders.
• Mulch tree and cane fruit after pruning to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Finish planting garlic before growth accelerates.