Gardening Tips in the UK in February

February marks a transitional period in the UK gardening calendar, as winter begins to loosen its grip and spring approaches. It’s a crucial time to prepare your garden for the upcoming growing season. Here are some essential gardening tips to guide you through this month.

1. Planting and Sowing

As the soil begins to warm up, you can start sowing some hardy vegetables in your garden. Consider planting broad beans and onion sets now, as they can withstand cooler temperatures. If you have a greenhouse, it’s a perfect time to start sowing tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines indoors, giving them a head start for when they can be planted outside.

2. Pruning

February is an ideal month for pruning fruit trees and shrubs. Focus on removing any dead or damaged branches, which will promote healthy growth when the plants come back to life in spring. For roses, it’s the perfect time to cut back any growth to encourage robust blooms later in the year.

3. Preparing the Soil

Continue to prepare your soil by clearing weeds and adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This enriches the soil and improves drainage, making it more fertile for the upcoming planting season. Test your soil pH if you haven't already, and amend it accordingly for optimal plant growth.

4. Lawn Care

Check your lawn and remove any debris such as leaves or twigs that may have accumulated. If the ground is not waterlogged or frozen, consider lightly raking it to encourage airflow and reduce moss build up. You can also apply a lawn fertiliser towards the end of the month to give your grass a nutrient boost as it starts to grow again.

5. Protecting Plants

Keep an eye on the weather, as late frosts can still occur in February. Consider protecting tender plants with fleece or cloches if temperatures are set to drop. This will help shield them from any unexpected cold snaps and ensure your hard work isn’t undone by frost damage.

6. Planning and Design

Use this time to reflect on your garden's layout and plan for the year ahead. Think about what worked last year and what didn’t, and consider incorporating new plants or features. Sketch out your garden design, taking into account factors such as sunlight exposure and plant heights. This planning phase is essential for creating a visually pleasing and thriving garden.

7. Wildlife Gardening

Don’t forget about the wildlife in your garden. February is a good month to build and repair bird feeders and nest boxes. Providing food and shelter for birds can attract them to your garden, helping with pest control as they feed on insects later in the year.