Gardens > This month in your garden

February can be one of the coldest and wettest months of the year and it is classed as late winter. It can still also be a windy month so remember to check that trees and shrubs haven’t become dislodged. Towards the end of the month there was supposed to be the odd sunny spell – but don’t be lured into a false sense of security. Winter can return very quickly (as we can see!) so bear it in mind if you are thinking of planting or sewing any seeds.

Take the opportunity on those milder days to wander around your garden – have a look at the beginnings of life in and amongst your borders - honestly, it is there! You’ll see snowdrops and crocuses and the daffodils and primroses have finally come to life! So too is the insect world beginning to stir, however food is still hard to find so remember to keep feeding the garden birds.

This time of year is a good time to plan ahead, do you need to buy more plants or seeds, are you growing vegetables this year, do you need to prepare the ground for your new vegetables or plants, do you need to install water butts etc? Taking a little time to think of what you want your garden to look like this year will save you time in the next few months which is inevitably busy as spring has an annoying habit of dictating to the gardener! 

A selection of jobs to be getting on with:

• This is a great time of year to plant or divide snowdrops
• Remember if you have a snow fall to knock it off your trees and shrubs to avoid damage
• Check the pond and ensure there is an ice-free area
• Keep protecting any of your vulnerable plants from frost
• Check and secure any plants that have been dislodged from frost and/or wind
• Keep feeding your garden birds and ensuring they have fresh water
• If you’re growing vegetables prepare the seedbeds/borders by breaking soil clods and removing weeds
• Prune Jasmines and summer flowering Clematis
• Start dahlia tubers off
• Order bedding plants for spring from specialist nurseries
• Order or buy summer flowering bulbs
• Dust your house plants using a leaf shine or a damp cloth
• Consider raising and maintaining the temperature of your vegetable patch before you sew seeds – it must maintain 45F / 7C for one week prior to sewing
• Clean all pots and seed trays ready to use
• Make a list and buy any compost, fertilizer, feeds, pots, seed trays and labels you may need.