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 fertilizing. 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.

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.

February Gardening Videos - What to Grow & Sow in February

After some more inspiration? Take a look at the videos below on growing your own in February. We love to see and share what you are getting up to in the garden so feel free to give us a tag in your upcoming planning and prepping using #westminsterstone