It Might Be February but Your Garden Still Needs You – Gardening Tasks for February
February is a strange month. It can often be the coldest part of winter, but it is a gateway month to warmer spring weather in March. It is often the last chance to get some of the remedial tasks that your garden needs so that you can concentrate on more pressing garden jobs that will need doing in spring.
If you have any tasks remaining from December or January, then February provides a window for you to complete them. Indeed, some of the tasks that are listed below are cross-overs from the previous winter months. It is good to get these tasks sorted because when March arrives, there will be much to do!
Gardening Tasks for February
Despite the typically cold temperatures, February is the perfect time to tackle various gardening tasks. If you have been subject to storms over the autumn and winter, it’s important to repair any damage caused. Seed sowing is also in full swing and plenty of plants can be sown, such as chilies, peppers, tomatoes, parsnips, and carrots.
Below will guide you through the steps of pruning clematis, dogwood, and deciduous grasses, and will also cover cleaning seed trays and pots, forcing or splitting rhubarb, taking root cuttings, sowing lettuce and brassicas, potting up plug plants, planting bare-root roses. Following these tips will give you a thriving and healthy garden throughout the year.
February Garden Task Check List
| Task | Completed |
|---|---|
| Repair damage caused by recent storms | [ ] |
| Start seed sowing | [ ] |
| Prune Clematis | [ ] |
| Prune dogwood and mulch after pruning | [ ] |
| Cut back deciduous grasses | [ ] |
| Sow chillies, pepper, tomatoes, parsnips and carrots | [ ] |
| Clean seed trays and pots | [ ] |
| Force or split Rhubarb | [ ] |
| Take root cuttings | [ ] |
| Sow lettuce and brassicas | [ ] |
| Pot up plug plants | [ ] |
| Plant bare-root roses | [ ] |
Repairing Storm Damage in Your Garden
As February rolls in, it’s a good idea to assess recent storms’ impact on your garden and take steps to repair any damage. High winds and heavy rain can cause various problems, from broken branches and fallen trees to soil erosion and damage to garden structures like fences and sheds. By taking the time to make repairs now, you’ll be preparing your garden for the spring and summer ahead.
Sowing Seeds in February
Now that you’ve repaired any damage caused by the storms, it’s time to turn your attention to seed sowing. February is a great time to start sowing seeds for your garden, as soon the worst of winter will be over, the days are getting longer and the soil will start to warm up. By sowing seeds now, you’ll give your plants plenty of time to mature and grow strong for the coming growing season.
Pruning Clematis
Clematis is a beautiful and hardy vine that can add a touch of color and charm to your garden. However, if you want to keep your clematis healthy and thriving, it’s important to prune it correctly, and the time to do that is before next month, as buds will start to form. Proper pruning will help your clematis grow strong and produce abundant blooms come spring and summer.
Pruning Dogwood for Health and Beauty
Dogwood is a beautiful shrub or tree that adds interest to your garden with its brightly colored stems in winter and its delicate flowers in spring. Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your dogwood.
Cut Back Deciduous Grasses for Fresh Growth
Deciduous grasses provide texture and movement to your garden, but they also require regular maintenance to keep them healthy and attractive. Cutting back deciduous grasses in late winter or early spring is essential for promoting fresh growth and preventing the buildup of dead material.
Start Your Summer Harvest
February is the ideal time to start sowing the seeds of your summer harvest, including chillies, peppers, tomatoes, parsnips, and carrots. With a little care and attention, you can grow a bounty of fresh produce for your kitchen.
Sowing Lettuce and Brassicas
Lettuce and brassicas, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, are essential elements in many home gardens. February is an excellent time to start sowing these plants indoors, or under cover, in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Sowing lettuce and brassicas this time of year allows you to enjoy a harvest before summer arrives. You can enjoy crisp, nutritious greens all season long with the right care.
Cleaning Seed Trays and Pots
A well-prepared seed tray and pot will help ensure healthy growth for your plants. Cleaning your containers from the previous season is important in starting your new gardening season.
Forcing or Splitting Rhubarb
Forcing or splitting rhubarb is done to encourage the plant to produce new shoots and increase the yield of stems. By manipulating the light, temperature, and soil conditions, you can coax the plant into growing earlier in the season, producing sweeter and more tender stems.
Taking Root Cuttings
Taking root cuttings is an effective way to propagate woody plants and shrubs. This method involves removing small sections of roots from the parent plant, cutting them into sections and planting them in a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium. The rooting medium should be moist but not soaking wet, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors requires proper preparation and equipment. You will need to prepare seed trays or pots filled with high-quality seed compost and then gently press the seeds into the surface. Cover with a thin layer of compost and keep in a warm, bright place until they have germinated and are ready to be transferred to a more permanent location.
Potting Up Plug Plants
Plug plants are young plants that have already germinated and are growing in individual pots. These plants are a quick and easy way to get a head start on your garden. They can be purchased online or at a garden center and are often available in various varieties.
Planting Bare-Root Roses
Bare-root roses have been harvested from the field, with all the soil removed from their roots, making them easier to transport and plant. February is an excellent time to plant bare-root roses, as they are dormant and won’t suffer from transplant shock. With the right care, these roses will thrive in your garden and provide years of beauty and fragrance.