Spring is on its way and we are full of anticipation. New green shoots are preparing to burst into bloom. We hope for warmer days as we move closer however if you are currently huddled up in doors then why not do a spot of garden planning. On mild days you could pop out into the garden for some winter pruning or soil cultivating.
Moving closer to spring we will start feeling the warmer days and the garden begins to come alive after what seems like a lifetime of winter. The left over frosts of winter may still be seen as we approach spring so if you get a sunny warm day then get out in the garden and make the most of it. You could mulch and prune, take cuttings, reseed lawns and sow half hardy annuals.
Gardening Jobs for February
- Caring for wildlife – February is a hungry month for wildlife, putting food out can distract birds and small mammals from taking your buds and bulb.
- Tools and machinery servicing -Once spring has arrived and the busy gardening season is here, the last thing you want is broken tools when you want to be getting your garden sorted out.
- Apply organic-based fertilisers to all borders – Organic fertilisers release their nutrients more slowly than inorganic ones. A sprinkling of organic fertiliser like seaweed meal, fish, blood and bone or pelleted chicken manure around the plants will do them the world of good after the winter.
- Stock up on compost, Pots and seed trays for the busy season ahead – Buying in bulk in partnership with friends or neighbours can save you some money. The use of coir composts and other peat substitutes are becoming more popular as we all become more environmentally aware.
- TREES & SHRUBS – Bare root trees and shrubs can be planted any time during the dormant season. Research shows that February can be the ideal time before spring. Pruning and training – There may be a lot of pruning to be done this month, especially if you haven’t been able to brave the winter.
- CLIMBERS – Prune late-flowering clematis, winter flowering jasmine, Summer flowering jasmines. Plant new climbers exactly as you would trees and shrubs. Digging holes at least 9in (22cm) away from walls and fences
- PERENNIALS-Finish weeding and digging over the borders and new planting areas, incorporating organic matter if you can. Herbaceous perennials will be starting into growth towards the end of the month. Now is a good time to feed them with organic-based fertilizer.
- BULBS – Plant and divide snowdrops. Pot lilies for planting later, protect emerging bulbs in the rock gardens.
- ANNUALS & BEDDING – Plan now for summer planting schemes in containers and top dress pot grown shrubs.
- LAWNS – Keep off the grass when it is frozen or frosted or once it thaws out your footprints will appear as yellow patches. Disperse worm casts, brush away worm casts regularly. Dig out lawn weeds, lay turf or prepare ground for sowing grass seed.
February Weather Watch
February is very similar to January but on average colder. Temperature over land is governed by the temperature over the sea, which is at its lowest in February. Average temperatures in the south will be around 6-8 degrees in the north 4-6 degrees. Hard Frosts are still common so continue to protect vulnerable plants outdoors.
Windy Days – February can be very windy, but less so than January.
More sunshine – More sun is expected in February compared to January. The days are getting longer, but there can still be bad weather ahead.
Varying rainfall – Rainfall varies from one part of the country to another, south eastern parts generally getting least rain. In Scotland this month, the north east coast is the driest. The south west is one of the wettest parts of the country.
Persistent snow – Thick snow can persist in high areas. Western coastal areas have very little snow and mild temps. There are some gardens on the west coast of Scotland and Ireland growing plants usually found in warmer regions.