Practical gardening advice for UK gardens
What to do this month

February gardening jobs

February often brings the first noticeable signs of the gardening year beginning again. Days are getting longer and bulbs are emerging, but frost, cold soil, heavy rain and even snow can still occur across much of the UK. Southern and sheltered gardens may begin moving noticeably earlier than northern, upland or exposed sites.

Preparation is more important than rushing into spring. Vegetable beds can be readied when soil is workable, potatoes can be prepared for planting, and several crops can be started indoors or under cover. Winter pruning should be completed before growth gathers pace, while early flowers and fruit blossom may need protection when cold nights follow mild days.

UK conditions vary. Adjust timings for your local weather, soil and exposure.

Key gardening jobs

  • Chit early seed potatoes in a cool, bright and frost free place with the shoots facing upwards.
  • Prepare vegetable seedbeds when the soil is dry enough to work without smearing or compacting it.
  • Remove established weeds from beds before applying a layer of organic mulch where appropriate.
  • Warm small areas of soil with cloches or fleece before early outdoor sowings in colder gardens.
  • Recut lawn edges where conditions are firm and dry enough to work without damaging the turf.
  • Ventilate greenhouses and cold frames on mild days to reduce condensation and stagnant air.
  • Check tree stakes and ties before spring growth begins and loosen any that are becoming tight.
  • Put up bird nesting boxes before the main nesting period, positioning them away from obvious predator access and strong direct sunlight.

What to sow and plant

  • Sow tomatoes, chillies and aubergines indoors with warmth and strong light if you can maintain suitable growing conditions.
  • Sow onions and leeks indoors or in a heated propagator for transplanting later in spring.
  • Sow broad beans outdoors in mild areas with light, workable soil, or under cover where conditions remain cold and wet.
  • Sow peas under cover in pots, modules or lengths of clean guttering for planting out when conditions improve.
  • Sow early lettuce, spinach and radish under cover in a greenhouse, cold frame or beneath cloches.
  • Plant garlic and shallots outdoors in well drained soil when the ground is workable.
  • Plant bare root fruit trees, bushes and canes outdoors before growth begins, provided the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged.
  • Plant snowdrops and winter aconites in the green after flowering while their foliage is still visible.

What to prune and harvest

  • Finish winter pruning established apple and pear trees before buds begin opening strongly.
  • Finish pruning red currants, white currants and gooseberries while the plants are still dormant.
  • Cut autumn fruiting raspberry canes to ground level if this job has not already been completed.
  • Prune wisteria by reducing last summer's side shoots to two or three buds from the main framework.
  • Prune winter flowering shrubs such as winter jasmine once flowering has finished, removing older and congested growth.
  • Cut deciduous ornamental grasses close to the base before fresh shoots become established.
  • Harvest leeks and parsnips as required while remaining crops are still in good condition.
  • Harvest kale, Brussels sprouts and winter cabbages regularly before plants begin deteriorating or running to flower.

Problems to watch

  • Protect early peach, nectarine and apricot blossom when frost is forecast, uncovering plants again during the day.
  • Keep netting secure over brassicas where hungry pigeons are damaging winter crops.
  • Watch heavy soil and containers for continued waterlogging during prolonged wet weather.
  • Check seedlings under cover for damping off and improve ventilation if conditions are excessively humid.
  • Remove dead foliage under glass before grey mould becomes established on living plant tissue.
  • Watch emerging shoots and young seedlings for slug and snail damage during mild, damp spells.
  • Avoid walking on frosted lawns because frozen grass blades are easily damaged and may develop brown footprints.
  • Check newly planted trees and fruit bushes for exposed roots caused by frost heave and refirm them once the ground has thawed.
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