Teetering between Winter and Spring, February is that month where the sky may still be grey and the air may still be frosty, but there is a fresh breeze that passes through your garden every now and then. It might seem like there isn’t a lot you can do in your garden at this time, but in reality, February is the best time to start preparing for your spring and summer gardening adventures! Make sure you wrap up warmly and pull on some protective gardening gloves before you get out in the refreshing air.
February is the time to trim back dead branches and plant heads left over from summer. You can also dig up any flower beds and turn over the soil, ensuring they’re clear and fresh for when you start planting later. Mulching around existing plants can help keep the soil warm and suppress weeds early on.
Winter winds can leave a lot of mess in your garden. Rake up dead foliage, twigs, and other debris from your lawn. This organic material can be added to your compost heap, feeding your future plants and reducing waste.
Inspect trellises, pots, bird baths, and garden decor. If any have become too battered by the winter winds and rain, it may be time to discard them and start looking for new ones to ensure your garden is truly artful when the sun starts shining properly. Alternatively, some may just need a touch of care, a lick of paint, a fresh sealant, or some creative upcycling.
Once your garden is tidied, begin mapping out what you want to grow. Whether it’s a colourful flower bed, a thriving vegetable patch, or a low-maintenance herb garden, February is ideal for drawing up plans and timetables so you can keep your gardening organized and stress-free.
Certain seeds benefit from an early start. Indoors, you can plant poppies, cabbages, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and even some herbs like basil and parsley. They’ll appreciate the warm environment and be strong and healthy by the time they’re ready to be transplanted outside in late spring.
With birds emerging from winter shelters, now is a great time to install feeding stations. Providing seeds, suet, and clean water helps local wildlife and brings life into your garden during the quieter months. Check out our articles Help Birds After The Big Freeze and Attracting Wild Birds To Your Garden for more helpful tips.
In addition to all the above tasks, don’t forget to check your garden tools. A good set of tools will make all your spring and summer gardening efforts much easier. Clean and sharpen your shovels, pruners, and rakes, so they’re ready when you need them. A well-prepared gardener is a successful gardener, and February’s calm before the rush of the warmer months is the perfect time to ensure you’re fully equipped.
By getting a jump-start in February, you’re setting the stage for a beautiful, productive garden in the months to come. To get truly prepared, don’t forget to check out our top gardening tips for April, May, and June, so you’ll know exactly what to do all through spring and summer!
