February heralds the start of the best time for planting most shrubs, trees and climbers. As the ground starts to warm, roots will start to grow and it gives the plants that little bit of extra time to establish, giving you a much better display this coming summer. Some varieties however are at their best this time of the year, so whilst much of the garden is only now beginning to wake up, you can add colour and interest to fully enjoy the (odd) sunny day!
Jobs for February
February is the month for planting and pruning. There's plenty to do in the garden and now is the time to start making preparations to ensure it looks its best this spring and summer
- February is the start of the golden time for planting most varieties of outdoor plants. As the soil begins to warm, look to get a head start by planting in the next couple of weeks.
- If you haven't done so yet, prune your late flowering Clematis (Group 3) to around 20-25cm from ground level and just above a pair of buds.
- Whilst they are looking good at the moment, start thinking about cutting back your Cornus and Salix to their bases in the next few weeks. They are generally grown for their striking stem colour and annual pruning ensures that you have colourful stems every winter.
- Prune winter flowering Jasminum Nudiflorum after it has finished flowering. Cut down to around 5cm from the old wood to ensure it produces fresh growth this year and therefore flowers for next year.
- If the soil isn't frozen or waterlogged, now is the best time to move any deciduous shrubs and trees that you already have planted and need to relocate.
- Late flowering shrubs such as Fuchsias and Buddlejas can be cut back now. Particularly with regards to Buddlejas, the more ruthless you are the better!
- Begin top dressing any container trees and shrubs that you have, look to scrape the top layer of soil away and add either fresh compost or any other organic matter (well rotted manure, garden compost, mulch)
- Many gardens are starting to wake up now, with snowdrops and crocuses appearing. Visit some gardens to gain some inspiration for your own areas.
- With the temperature beginning to warm (in places!) you will start to see a few weeds beginning to emerge. The more that you do to remove them now will save you time and effort in the spring and summer. Try to keep beds and borders as weed free as possible now.