February Gardening To-Do List
Flowers:
- Start sowing hardy annuals indoors for early spring blooms
- Prune late-flowering clematis back to healthy buds about 30cm above ground level
- Check winter-flowering shrubs and cut back if necessary after they finish flowering
- Remove dead and decaying foliage from around emerging spring bulbs
- Plan and order summer-flowering bulbs and seeds for planting
Fruit and Vegetables:
- Begin chitting early potatoes indoors to encourage sprouting before planting
- Prune raspberry canes, removing any weak or damaged growth
- Inspect stored fruits and vegetables, discarding any showing signs of spoilage
- Order vegetable seeds for the upcoming growing season
- If soil conditions allow, prepare vegetable beds by adding compost and turning the soil
Greenhouse:
- Sow early tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines indoors for later transplanting
- Check overwintering plants for pests and diseases, taking necessary action
- Start feeding citrus plants as they come into growth
Garden Maintenance:
- Continue providing food and water for birds, especially during colder weather
- Repair any damaged garden structures, such as fences or trellises
- Begin planning and sketching out any changes or additions to the garden layout for the upcoming season
- Check garden tools and equipment for maintenance needs, sharpen blades, and oil moving parts
General:
- Monitor weather forecasts and protect tender plants in case of late frosts
- Start thinking about and planning any early spring projects, such as creating new flower beds or installing garden features