February is an exciting month for gardeners as we start to see the first signs of spring. It is a great time to get out in the garden and start planning for the season ahead. Even though it may still be cold outside, there are plenty of activities that can be done in February to prepare for a successful gardening season. Planting and sowing are key activities that should be done this month, as well as other tasks such as pruning, mulching and fertilising. With the right preparation, you can ensure that your garden is ready for the warmer months ahead and know exactly what to grow & sow in February.

February Crops

In the Greenhouse...

With spring just around the corner now is the time to start planning and planting the crops you want to harvest this spring and summer. If you do not own a greenhouse then a sunny windowsill will do the job just fine.

  • Start sowing tender crops like tomatoes and chillies in a propagator or on a warm windowsill.
  • Sow cucumbers, celeriac, aubergines, peas and brassicas.
  • Now is also a great time to start sowing herbs like basil. 
  • Chit early potato varieties by standing them in trays in a bright cool place, away from frost.
In the Greenhouse

Outside in the Garden...

With (hopefully) some milder weather on the way, hardy and early harvesting crops are starting to make their way outside.

  • Prepare veg beds providing the ground has thawed. If still too frozen, use fleece to warm the soil up ready for planting. Weed and cover with new compost ready.
  • Finish pruning all fruit trees like apples and pear and soft fruit bushes like blackberries and raspberries. Feed using fertiliser to encourage fruiting.
  • Place outside and Cover rhubarb and strawberries with a cloche for early harvest.
  • It's the best time to start building raised beds ready for planting in the next few months. raised beds offer a planting method that's easier on backs and knees and prevents crops from getting damaged.

February Blooms

In the Greenhouse...

There is a lot to be getting on with in the greenhouse this month. Laying the foundations for wonderful blooms all spring and summer round. 

In the Greenhouse

Outside in the Garden...

With lots of debris and dead foliage around after winter, there's lots of deadheading and pruning to get bushes, trees and shrubs fit for spring sunshine.

  • Prune winter flowers and shrubs such as fuchsias, Mahonia and Jasmine and increase watering frequency to encourage new growth.
  • Prune Wisteria by cutting the side shoots. Towards the end of the month prune summer-flowering Clematis before the beginning of active growth.
  • Deadhead winter pansies, encouraging new flowers once the weather warms up.
  • Cut back ornamental grasses to within a few centimetres ready for new growth. 
  • Remove faded and yellowing leaves from overwintering plants, this will help to prevent fungal diseases.

Hardscaping & Landscaping Prep

Your patio is the stage for your garden. If you're noticing moss or algae build-up on your garden paving from a damp winter, a light brush with a stiff broom (no harsh chemicals needed yet!) will keep your stone looking heritage-rich and safe. See our Winter Maintenance Guide for more details.

February is the Golden Window for planning and starting hardscaping projects before the growing season takes over:

Inspect for Frost Damage: Check your pathways and patios for "freeze-thaw" impact. Look for loose pointing or hairline cracks in your paving. Addressing these now prevents water from seeping in and causing larger structural issues during April showers.

Plan Your Layout: Thinking of adding a new terrace or garden path? Visualise the "flow" now while the garden is at its barest. It’s easier to see the natural lines of your landscape without the summer foliage.

Build Raised Beds: If the soil is too wet to dig, focus on construction. Building raised beds from reclaimed timber or stone provides better drainage—a must for the increasingly wet UK springs we’ve seen recently.

limestone paving with table centre.

General Garden Upkeep

There is still plenty to do to get the garden ship shape and ready for spring. See what you can tick off in your garden this month.

  • Clean all the windows of your greenhouse, inside and out. This will ensure the maximum amount of light can get in.
  • Remove any dead leaves and debris from stone flagstones, making sure they do not stain the paving or make it slippy. See our helpful guide on caring for and maintaining your patio. 
  • Clear out and scrub all pots, planters and hanging baskets ready for planting.
  • Organise seeds and bulbs into names and when to sow using labels and a box or tray to ensure a smooth planting season ahead and make sure nothing gets missed out.
  • Monitor temperatures in the greenhouse over the next few months as temperatures can vary drastically.
  • Check weather forecasts regularly to see if plants need protection from frost or whether they need protective layers loosened if it gets a little warmer.

Setting the Stage for Spring

February may be the shortest month, but it is arguably the most pivotal for your garden’s success. By putting in the groundwork now—whether that’s nurturing tiny seedlings on a windowsill, pruning back the old growth, or ensuring your garden paving is clean and winter-ready—you are ensuring that when the first warm days of spring arrive, you’ll be ready to simply sit back and enjoy them. A beautiful garden is a blend of nature’s growth and the structures we build to enjoy it. Whether you are dreaming of a new patio or simply refreshing your current outdoor space, remember that the best gardens aren't just grown; they are planned. Are you ready to transform your outdoor space this season? We’re here to help you every step of the way.

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