The perfect time to start preparing your garden is in February, as the winter loosens its grip and spring begins to appear. Even though the weather is still cold, you can do a lot to prepare for spring. Here are the top gardening tips and hints for February.
- Plant Seeds Indoors
Sow hardy annuals like tomatoes, sweet peas, chillies and peppers inside to get a jump on the growing season. The perfect conditions for germination are a sunny windowsill, or a heated propagator. This will ensure strong and healthy seedlings ready for spring planting.
- Prune Fruit Trees & Bushes
While they are still dormant, now is the best time to prune your apple and pear tree. To encourage healthy growth, remove any diseased or crossed branches. To encourage strong canes, autumn fruiting raspberry bushes should be cut to the ground.
- Tidy Up Perennials & Borders
Remove weeds from the garden and cut back the dead foliage on perennials. By clearing away the debris, you can not only tidy up your borders, but also reduce the chance of pests or diseases overwintering.
- Check for Overwintering Plants
Be sure to protect tender plants, which have been stored in greenhouses or covered with fleece from any cold snaps. Check stored tubers, such as dahlias or begonias, for signs of decay. Discard any that are infected.
- Start Chitting Potatoes
It is time to begin chitting for those who are growing potatoes. Seed potatoes should be placed in a bright, cool place so that their eyes are facing up. This will encourage strong growth before they are planted in March or April.
- Feed & Mulch
Spread compost or manure that has been well rotted around shrubs, trees and flowerbeds. This will improve the soil structure, help retain moisture and give your plants an extra boost of nutrients as they start to awaken from their winter sleep.
- Take Care of Your Lawn
Avoid walking on waterlogged or frosty grass, as this may cause damage. You can start raking moss away and aerating areas that are compacted if the weather is mild. This will help to improve drainage and encourage healthy growth in spring.
- Plan Your Garden for Spring
It’s a good time to order summer-flowering bulbs, seeds and plants. Planning ahead will allow you to make the most out of your garden and create a colourful, vibrant display. For Wholesale Plants, visit palmstead.co.uk/wholesale-plants-for-trade-in-kent
- Support Wildlife
In the winter, garden wildlife may struggle. Continue feeding them high-energy foods such as sunflower and suet seeds. Fresh water and a small pile or logs of leaves can provide shelter for insects and smaller mammals.