When it comes to gardening during each season, it can all depend on the weather that particular year. You never find that any two seasons are the same, for example, one spring may be warm and dry, whereas another could experience heavy rain and wet conditions throughout. The weather in February often sees wet, windy conditions which can be expected from year to year. With this in mind, there are a handful of things you should be doing in the garden to prepare for the spring season but be mindful of the conditions as it may be worth pushing a few tasks into early March.
Plants to Prune
There are two plants in particular that require pruning in February. Clematis and Wisteria are the two main plants that you should focus on pruning. Both are known as climbers and it’s essential to get them pruned during February. Similarly, you can also look at pruning Hydrangea, Winter Jasmine, Mahonia and Cornus. Be careful not to prune any plants within your garden that are spring flowering. If you do so, it will prevent them from flowering and stunt growth.
Sowing Seeds
By sowing seeds during February, you are preparing your plants so that they mature earlier. It is, however, required to have a warm environment is necessary. This can be difficult, especially for those living in England where the weather in February tends to be much colder and wet. For those with a greenhouse, this is the perfect environment to be sowing your seeds, with the ability to control and manage the temperature within your greenhouse space. This may be the starting point for those keen to invest in a greenhouse, and if so you can find a wonderful selection of greenhouse styles online at retailers like Two Wests & Elliot. Similarly, you may want to look at sowing your seeds in a sealed propagator, as this will also create the warm atmosphere that they need to grow to their full potential.
Some of the best produce that is suitable for seeding under glass, such as your sealed propagator or greenhouse, include chilis, beetroot, aubergine, cucumbers and tomatoes. This is ideal for getting your favourite fruit and salad items ready for the spring/summer seasons, providing you with a lovely selection of fresh produce for everyday living, parties and much more.
Planting Bulbs
February is a great time to start planting bulbs for the late spring and summer months. There’s nothing more beautiful than a garden full of bright colours and gorgeous flowers dotted around. Flowers help to create a warm, welcoming feel and will instantly bring life and character to your outdoor space. Some of the best bulbs to plant during February for spring and summer blooming are lilies, anemone and crocosmia, which will all bring a vibrant touch to your garden.
Greenhouse Tasks
Just like the garden, there are tasks that need to be carried out in the greenhouse to ensure everything is ready for the spring and summer seasons. One of the biggest issues seen within the greenhouse over the winter months is mould. Greenhouse mould occurs when an environment has been wet, cold and more often than not, damp. It’s difficult to control this kind of atmosphere during the winter, however, it’s very easy to remove and keep on top of. Ensure to clean your greenhouse thoroughly and remove anything affected by the mould, such as soil and pots, to prevent anything spreading or infecting your new bulbs.
