WHAT TO DO IN YOUR ENGLISH GARDEN IN FEBRUARY

February can feel like a quiet month in the garden, but beneath the cold and wet soil, signs of the coming spring are already stirring. Days are gradually lengthening, snowdrops and crocuses brighten borders and you can begin laying the groundwork for the busy growing season ahead. While frosts and wet weather still pose challenges, February is a vital month for preparation, maintenance and gentle progress. With the right approach, and a well-timed visit to our garden centre, you can set your garden up for success in the months to come

Here’s a practical guide to February gardening, focusing on the essential jobs to tackle now and how to approach them.

1. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Before tackling any jobs, it’s important to work with the weather rather than against it. February often brings a mix of frost, rain and occasional mild spells. Avoid walking on waterlogged soil, as this can compact it and damage soil structure. Likewise, postpone pruning or planting during hard frosts. Having horticultural fleece or cloches on hand (available from our garden centre) will be invaluable for protecting plants during sudden cold snaps.

2. Pruning Shrubs, Roses and Trees

What to do:

February is a prime month for pruning many plants while they remain dormant. Most roses, including hybrid teas and floribundas, benefit from a hard prune now. Remove dead, diseased or crossing stems and aim for an open, goblet-shaped structure to improve airflow.

Fruit trees such as apples and pears can also be pruned, focusing on removing overcrowded branches and encouraging a balanced shape. Wisteria should be cut back to two or three buds to control growth and promote flowering.

Useful tools to purchase:

– Sharp secateurs
– Pruning saw
– Loppers
– Gardening gloves
– Disinfectant spray for tools

Sharp tools make cleaner cuts, reducing the risk of disease, so February is a good time to replace or upgrade tired equipment.

3. Tidy Borders and Cut Back Perennials

What to do:

As winter fades, old growth on perennials and ornamental grasses can be cut back to make way for fresh shoots. Leave some plants, such as hellebores, intact until flowers fade, but you can remove damaged leaves to showcase blooms.

Clearing borders now helps reduce pests and diseases that overwinter in dead foliage. Add organic matter like well-rotted compost or manure once the soil is workable to improve structure and fertility.

4. Start Seed Sowing Under Cover

What to do:

February marks the beginning of seed-sowing season for many gardeners, although most seeds will still need protection. Hardy annuals, sweet peas, chillies, tomatoes and early salad crops can be sown in greenhouses, cold frames or on sunny windowsills.

Use seed trays or modules filled with fine seed compost and ensure good light levels to prevent seedlings becoming leggy. Label everything clearly – February enthusiasm can lead to forgotten varieties later on!.

Useful items to purchase:

– Seed trays and modules
– Seed compost
– Plant labels
– Heated propagator (optional but useful)

5. Chit Seed Potatoes

What to do:

Chitting seed potatoes gives them a head start and often results in earlier, heavier crops. Place seed potatoes in trays or egg boxes with the “eyes” facing upwards and store them in a cool, light, frost-free place.

We stock a wide range of early, second early and maincrop varieties, making this the perfect time to choose your favourites

6. Prepare Vegetable Beds

What to do:

If weather allows, February is a good time to prepare vegetable beds for spring planting. Remove weeds, add compost and gently fork over soil if it isn’t frozen or saturated. Covering beds with cardboard, fleece or plastic sheeting helps warm the soil and suppress weeds before you get sowing.

Raised beds may warm faster and can be planted earlier, especially with protection.

Useful items to purchase:

– Garden fork
– Mulch or compost
– Ground cover fabric or fleece

7. Lawn Care and Planning

What to do:

Lawns need little active care in February, but it’s a good time to assess their condition. Remove debris, check for drainage problems and plan spring treatments. Avoid mowing unless grass is actively growing and conditions are dry. Given the rain we have had lately it is best to stay off your lawn for as long as possible. If moss is an ongoing issue, note shaded or compacted areas and plan remedies for March.

Useful items to purchase soon:

– Lawn rake
– Lawn feed or moss treatment (for later use)
– Grass seed for spring repairs

8. Look After Wildlife

What to do:

February can be tough for garden wildlife. Continue feeding birds with high-energy foods such as suet and peanuts, and ensure fresh water is available. If you have a pond, remove debris gently and check that it hasn’t frozen solid.

Leaving some natural areas undisturbed in the garden supports insects and beneficial wildlife that will repay you later in the year.

Wildlife-friendly items to purchase

– Bird seed and feeders
– Bird bath or water dish

9. Plant a Colourful Planter

If your winter flowering cyclamen and other winter bedding plants are beginning to look sad consider replanting your patio containers with summer flowering bulbs (available now) or for instant colour plant spring flowering bedding plants like primroses now.