
Key Gardening Tasks for February
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune Shrubs: This is a good time to prune late-summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia and Wisteria. Cut back to healthy buds to encourage new growth.
- Ornamental Grasses: Cut back old foliage from ornamental grasses to make way for fresh shoots.
- Clematis: Prune Group 2 and 3 Clematis, cutting back to healthy buds about 30 cm from the base.
Planting and Sowing
- Early Seeds: Start sowing seeds indoors for vegetables like spinach, kale, and leeks. Use a heated propagator or a sunny windowsill.
- Rhubarb: Plant rhubarb crowns and cover them with forcing pots to encourage early growth.
- Snowdrops: Lift and divide snowdrops while they are still ‘in the green’ to create more plants.
Soil Preparation
- Prepare Seed Beds: Cultivate and warm up the soil for upcoming sowing. Use fleece or cloches to protect the soil from frost.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around perennial plants and trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
General Care
- Check Tools: Ensure all gardening tools and machinery are in good working order for the upcoming season.
- Wildlife Support: Install bird feeders and nest boxes to support local wildlife as spring approaches.
These tasks will help prepare your garden for the growing season ahead.









