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Blooming February!
The beginning of February sees the first blooms break through - from crocus to snowdrops and Dutch iris – and you will begin to reap the rewards from planting bulbs last autumn.
If your garden is sadly lacking in early flowering plants, remember to buy these varieties later in the year ready for next February. You could begin to work on early colour by planting up pots of anemones which are also perfect for ground cover later in the year.
Keep an eye on your plants from now on and deadhead any wilting blooms by carefully pulling them away. This will keep your plants healthy and encourage them to continue flowering.
Take advantage of your greenhouse as February is the month where preparation really comes into its own. Sow the first summer bedding plants now as long as you keep an area of the greenhouse heated to 21C for germination. Typical plants that will benefit from early sowing are geraniums, busy lizzies and petunias.
Indoors, make the most of the beautiful and popular amaryllis. They perform particularly well if kept in a warm spot on a bright windowsill. Water regularly, usually once or twice a week, by standing the plant in a saucer of water for the plant to self regulate how much water it needs. Discard the remainder after an hour or so to make sure the roots do not become waterlogged. Don’t forget to feed regularly too.
Reap the benefits of home grown vegetables at any time of year and February is no exception. Leeks, Brussels sprouts and cabbages can be harvested as you need them. Make sure sprouts don’t grow too large before you pick them, and prepare for summer vegetables by sowing cabbage, leeks and onions under cover in a warm propagator. Sow carrots and broad beans under cloches outdoors if the weather allows.
Buy seed potatoes now ready for early crops and place them in trays with sprouting ends facing upwards. The shoots will develop well if you keep them in a light but cool location, ready for planting next month.
Prune established pear and apple trees now and spread mulch on borders and between trees, taking care not to smother dwarf bulbs. This will enrich the soil and help to keep weeds under control.
As the colder months continue, make sure any snowfalls are knocked off branches of trees and shrubs to prevent breakage.
In all, don’t let the cold weather put you off. February is the month when early blooms begin to push through, delicious winter vegetables can be enjoyed and you can begin to prepare your garden for the months ahead – all with the benefit of plenty of fresh air!
Top Tips for February
1. Deadhead winter bedding and houseplants
2. Protect pots and containers from frost
3. Remove snowfalls from tender branches
4. Feed the birds!
5. Prune fruit trees to remove dead branches
6. Buy seed potatoes.
