February in the Garden: Get a Head Start on Spring!
February may feel like the depths of winter, but for keen gardeners, it's a month brimming with promise. The days are lengthening, and while frosts still bite, the first signs of spring are beginning to stir. Snowdrops, crocuses, and early daffodils bravely push through the cold soil, reminding us that the growing season is just around the corner.
There’s plenty to keep busy with in February, and if you’re itching to get your hands dirty, now’s the time to get a head start on the season ahead. Whether you’re prepping the veg patch, tending to fruit trees, or coaxing perennials back to life, February is all about laying the foundations for a glorious spring and summer.
Preparing the Soil
A good garden starts with good soil, and February is the perfect time to get yours in tip-top condition. If the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, grab a fork and get digging. Turning over the soil now helps aerate it and exposes pests like vine weevil grubs to hungry birds. Adding organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or garden compost, will improve structure and fertility, giving your plants the best possible start.
If you’ve got heavy clay soil, now’s the moment to add some grit or sand to improve drainage. And if your beds are prone to weeds, laying down a thick mulch of compost will help suppress them before they get a chance to take over in spring.
Pruning and Tidying
February is prime time for pruning, so grab your secateurs and get to work. Roses, especially hybrid teas and floribundas, benefit from a hard prune now to encourage strong new growth. Aim to cut back to an outward-facing bud, removing any dead or diseased wood as you go.
Fruit trees, too, need attention this month. Apple and pear trees should be pruned while they’re still dormant, removing any congested or crossing branches to create an open, airy structure. If you’re growing raspberries, cut autumn-fruiting varieties right down to the ground to encourage fresh canes to sprout.
Overgrown hedges and shrubs can also be tidied up now before birds start nesting. Deciduous hedges like beech and hawthorn will respond well to a trim, but avoid cutting anything that’s already showing signs of spring growth.
Sowing and Growing
Though it’s still too cold for most plants to go in the ground, February is a great time to get seeds started indoors. If you’ve got a heated propagator, now’s the moment to sow tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines. These Mediterranean favourites need a long growing season, so an early start gives them the best chance to ripen in time for summer.
Hardier crops like broad beans, leeks, and onions can be started in trays or modules in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame. If you’re growing sweet peas, give them a head start by sowing them in deep pots and keeping them in a cool, bright place. Pinching out the tips once they reach a few inches tall will encourage bushier growth and more flowers later on.
Looking After the Lawn
It might not be growing much at this time of year, but your lawn still needs a little TLC. If you’re getting regular frosts, try to avoid walking on it too much, as this can damage the grass. On milder days, use a rake to remove leaves and debris, letting in light and air to prevent moss from taking hold.
If you’ve got bare patches, now’s a good time to start preparing them for repair. Loosen the soil with a fork and sprinkle over some grass seed once temperatures begin to rise.
Wildlife Care
February can be a tough month for garden wildlife, so do your bit to help them through. Keep bird feeders topped up with high-energy foods like sunflower hearts and suet, and make sure there’s fresh water available, especially in freezing conditions. If you’ve got a pond, check that it’s not completely frozen over—breaking a small hole in the ice will allow gases to escape and prevent harm to any fish or amphibians lurking below.
Early pollinators, like queen bumblebees, may start emerging on milder days, so consider planting early-flowering nectar sources such as winter aconites, crocuses, and hellebores to give them a boost.
Planning Ahead
February is a fantastic time to dream and scheme for the coming year. Grab a notebook, sketch out your planting plans, and order seeds before the rush begins. If you’re thinking about adding new trees or shrubs, many nurseries have bare-root plants available this month, which are often cheaper and easier to establish than potted ones.
If you’re growing potatoes, now’s the moment to start chitting them. Simply place your seed potatoes in an egg box or tray, with the eyes facing upwards, and leave them in a cool, bright place to encourage sturdy sprouts before planting in March or April.
Final Thoughts
Though it may still feel wintry, February is an exciting month in the garden. With a little preparation now, you’ll set yourself up for a season of success. So wrap up warm, get outside, and start coaxing your garden back to life—spring is just around the corner!