Jobs for the Month - February

A few hours tending to the garden in the cold this month will pay dividends later in the year. Signs of the approaching spring are on their way!

 

What to plant:

· Bare-root roses

· Lily bulbs

· Fruit trees

· Bulbs in the green (snowdrops, winter aconites)

 

What to order:

· Summer-flowering bulbs

· Perennials

 

Dividing Bulbs

Snowdrops and Aconites will be bringing cheer to the barren garden during February. Enjoy the flowers but remember that now is the best time to divide and replant clumps for a larger display next year. After the flowers are past their best, simply lift the clump or individual bulbs, and replant in a small gap made with a trowel or spade. Within a day or two they will look like they have never been moved.

 

Pruning

February is a great time for pruning. Winter shrubs can be pruned as soon as they have finished flowering. Late summer flowering shrubs can also be pruned now. Take care not to disturb any emerging bulbs whilst doing this. Make sure the area is weed free beforehand as the weeds will also feed off the manure/compost.

 

Tidy Up

Between the weather and the falling leaves, the last months may have caused your garden to become untidy. Rake up any leaves or litter on your lawn and tidy up the flower beds. Now is a great time to survey your garden for any irreparable damage from the winter and deadhead damaged flowers.

 

Pond Maintenance

If you have a pond, clean out leaves and fallen twigs when it isn't iced over. Leaving debris to rot in your pond can lead to algae growth which leads to dangerous conditions for your fish. Netting to catch leaves or regular clearing will prevent this from becoming a problem and keep your pond life happy!

 

Greenhouse Maintenance

Now would be a great time for a clean out of your greenhouse. Tidy and clean the inside, washing down frames and glazing. Ensure there is sufficient insulation and spot check for diseases. You can also start to plant summer bedding in here and should ensure it will be a frost-free haven for these plants.

 

Top Tips:

· Avoid walking on lawns whilst there is snow on the ground as it will damage the grass underneath.

· Keep up feeding the birds and leaving fresh water out for them, as they will still struggle this month.

· Dig in some manure or compost to the soil around your shrubs now to give them a good start to their growing season.

· Add ties to the trellis now ready to train climbers as it may be difficult once they start to grow.