Get Ahead Of The Game: February Garden Tasks To Tackle Now

February may be cold and dreary, but it’s the perfect time to get started on your essential February gardening tasks. Although the ground might still be frozen in places, taking action now will set your garden up for a vibrant spring.

From pruning and planting to preparing seedlings, there’s plenty you can do. So, wrap up warm, grab a steaming cup of tea, and let’s dive into these tasks!

Essential Jobs for Spring Preparation

1. Trim Ivy Before Birds Nest Cutting back ivy from walls and fences is crucial before birds start nesting. Ivy grows back quickly, so don’t hesitate to be thorough. Use sharp pruning shears and avoid pulling ivy off by hand, which could damage surfaces or trap insects.
   Visit our Garden Maintenance Services page for more details on how we can help.
2. Prune Greenhouse Climbers for Healthy Growth Another important task this month is pruning your greenhouse climbers. Keeping them tidy promotes better air circulation and supports plant health. Be sure to remove dead or damaged growth to maximise the support they offer your plants.
   Check out our Plant Care Tips for more information.
3. Tidy Up Wisteria for Better Blooms If you have wisteria, now is the time to prune it. Cut back to one or two buds from the main stem and remove excess growth. This is one of the most rewarding February gardening tasks, as it ensures an abundance of blooms later in the year.
   Read the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide on pruning wisteria for expert advice.
4. Plant Deciduous Hedges and Bare-Rooted Trees Finish planting deciduous hedges and bare-rooted trees before spring arrives. Choose varieties suited to your soil and climate. Prepare the ground with organic matter to ensure good drainage and plant health.
5. Sow Parsley if Weather Allows On milder days, sow parsley. This hardy herb can grow even in cooler weather and adds a fresh touch to meals.
   Discover more on growing herbs at the BBC Gardening Guide.
6. Sow Sweet Peas and Half-Hardy Annuals Indoors Start sowing sweet peas and half-hardy annuals indoors. These seedlings benefit from an early start, giving you vibrant blooms in spring. Ensure they have good drainage and enough light.
   Visit our Seasonal Planting Tips for guidance.
7. Chit Seed Potatoes for a Head Start Place seed potatoes in a bright, frost-free area to encourage sprouting. This step ensures a strong, healthy crop.
   Check out tips for chitting potatoes at The Gardener’s World Guide.
8. Cut Back Late-Flowering Clematis Prune late-flowering clematis in February. This helps the plant focus its energy on blooming throughout the warmer months. Remember, clematis thrives when pruned correctly.

Why Focus on February Gardening Tasks?

Completing these tasks now makes spring gardening much more manageable. Pruning, planting, and preparing early give your plants a strong foundation, ensuring they thrive when the weather warms.