February in the Garden
Gardening is seasonal, but because of the variations in our weather, and range of conditions across the UK, the rules about what to do in the garden and when, are not hard and fast rules. The weather moderates gardening advice. No two Springs are ever the same, (who can forget the Beast from the East,) and the weather can make a difference.
If you garden in the south of England or have a garden which is sheltered, more can be done earlier, but northern gardeners, especially those with exposed plots, may need to leave tasks to late February or even early March. All gardening calendars are just a guide. It depends on your garden and the weather.
During mild spells in February, shrubs, climbers and bare rooted roses can be planted. If you are looking to buy shrubs with late winter and early spring interest.
Plant bulbs for late spring and summer
We associate spring with bulbs, early flowering Snowdrops and specie Crocus, then daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and Tulips. However, there are many lovely summer bulbs which although usually planted in the Spring. Allium, makes a fabulous display and mixes so well with many popular plants. You can plant Alliums in February, which will flower in late spring and early summer. Allium are easy to grow and once established return reliably each year. Plant in borders amongst roses or shrubs.
Plant Lilies in Feb/March for a great scented display. Lilies dislike heavy soil, which can make them less reliable in subsequent years. If your garden conditions are not ideal with wet heavy clay conditions, it is better to plant in containers.
Anemone can also be planted now. The corms (bulbs) are best soaked overnight before planting. There are lots of summer flowering bulbs in nursery. The best chance of ensuring summer bulbs flower the following year is to feed them during the growing season, right up to flowering. A Tomato feed is ideal.
This is also planting time for Crocosmia to flower in late summer. Crocosmia is easy to grow and returns reliably each year. Some varieties can be invasive, which is not uncommon with some easy to grow plants. At the end of the season, when the Crocosmia is dying back, gently pull/tug and dig out some new growth along the edges of the patch to keep it in check.
Potatoes
February is also the time to chit potatoes ready for planting out in the spring. Place them in a cool and light area and from the “eyes” shoots will form over the next few weeks until planting out. This is said to help get the potatoes off to a good start. Potatoes are grown from specially prepared ‘seed’ potatoes (or tubers). These are just like potatoes you buy from the supermarket, but they’re certified virus-free. You can buy seed potatoes from the nursery now. You then start them off indoors by letting them sprout, before they are planted.
Potato plants need ‘earthing up’ as they grow, to protect early shoots from frost damage and ensure the developing potatoes aren’t exposed to light, which turns them green and poisonous.
It’s a simple process – once the stems are about 23cm (9in) tall, draw soil up around them, creating a ridge about 15cm (6in) high. As the stems grow, repeat the process several times. The final height of the ridge should be 20–30cm (8in–1ft).
Keep the plants well-watered in dry weather – particularly once the tubers start to form. Main crop potatoes benefit from a nitrogen-rich fertiliser around the time of the second earthing up.
Planting time varies, depending on the type of potato you’re growing:
- First earlies – mid-late March
- Second earlies – early to mid-April
- Maincrops – mid-late Apri
Feed the birds
At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon.
Birds require high-energy (high-fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights. Use only good-quality food and scraps.
Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will become used to it and time their visits to your garden accordingly.
Make a visit to the nursery to top your stocks up and get advice. We stock Honeyfields bird food including the RSPB range.
Good hygiene is vital in all seasons, or feeding may do more harm than good. Read how to keep your garden birds healthy for important information about cleaning feeders, bird tables and bird baths, to keep the birds that use them, fit, healthy and disease free.
Finally, it’s a good time for those garden projects
Raised beds are great for growing vegetables, fruit and flowers and are especially useful if your soil is wet or poorly-drained. They’re also handy for gardeners with bad backs
At the nursery we have softwood, hardwood and reclaimed sleepers starting from just £20.