By Alicia Paaso - Gardenscape Sales Team/RHS Level 2 Horticulturalist
February is here, marking the transition from winter to early spring. There are usually some warm sunny days in February and the days are gradually getting longer. Spring bulbs start to flower, such as daffodils and crocuses which are one of my favourite signs that spring is truly underway. There is plenty to be done in February, both outdoors and indoors to prepare for the season ahead.
Start planning your seed sowing in February to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce this year. Seeds need to be sown at different times of the year depending on the plant, so by planning your seed sowing for the year ahead now, you will ensure that you don’t miss the right month for sowing your chosen seed. Different seeds have different requirements for successful germination, such as the temperature, light levels, and growing media. Before sowing, it is a good idea to check your seed stock as most have a ‘use by date’. They are still fine to use, but the germination rate will start to deteriorate over time so you might want to replace the out of date seed.
Bulbs are a great and easy way to add colour into your garden. They are easy to plant, require little maintenance, and can be planted both into containers and into the ground depending on the time of the year. You have probably planted your spring bulbs by now, but did you know that you can plant summer bulbs in February? Start planting summer bulbs inside like lilies, eucomis, and agapanthus for beautiful vibrant blooms come summer. Plant lilies in a sunny spot in rich and well-drained soil, around 15-20cm deep. If the soil is heavy and wet, it is better to plant them in pots to plant out later. Salvias are a great addition to your garden for colour and height with their gorgeous spikes of flowers. Sow salvia in pots kept inside in February by scattering the seed on top of peat free compost. After scattering the seed, cover them with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite, and make sure to keep the compost moist.
More and more wildlife starts to awaken this month as and when the days gradually get longer and the temperatures start to rise. Bumblebees might wake up early if we have some warm days in February. Plant up pots with crocuses and primroses to provide food for the bumblebees as pollen is scarce so early in spring. Hedgehogs start to emerge from hibernation in February if the weather is warm. To support the hedgehogs, you can leave out meat-based cat or dog food, as well as water. Discard any food that’s left first thing the next day. Unfortunately, it's not only hedgehogs that wake up from their slumber but also overwintering pests. Putting up fat ball feeders will attract blue tits that can help control the unwelcome pest populations.
Wisteria should be pruned once in summer, and once in winter. Prune
your wisteria in February by cutting back last year’s whippy growth 3-4 buds. Growth with rounded buds will provide flowers, so avoid cutting back these. Prune any winter-flowering shrubs such as mahonia once they have finished flowering. Overwintering fuchsias will benefit from increased watering and cutting back as this will encourage growth.
A vital part of gardening for successful growing is using good quality growing media. Avoid the stress and disappointment of failed crops later in the year by preparing the soil now. Mulch beds and borders with a compost, such as peat free compost, to give the soil a nutrient boost. Manure is ideal for roses as it provides valuable nutrients, increases water holding capacity, and suppresses weeds. Add well-rotted manure around the base of your roses but avoid letting the manure touch the stems as it may cause scorching. Feed fruit trees and bushes by spreading sulphate of potash around the base. Potassium is a vital nutrient for the plant’s fruit and flower production, so this will encourage fruiting.
Enjoy your February gardening!