www.MyLittleGreenSpace.co.uk

FEBRUARY

The weather at this time of year can be very variable – warm days followed by severe frosts and cold winds – which can severely affect young growth and new plants. Always check the current and upcoming weather conditions when considering what to do in the garden.

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• Bare-rooted trees and shrubs are a cheaper alternative to container-grown plants – but get them planted by the end of the month.

• Lift and split congested clumps of snowdrops after flowering 'in the green'.

• Topdress trees, shrubs, fruit and other long-term plants growing in containers with fresh compost.

• Plants may start growing during warmer spells, so check compost in containers doesn’t dry out.

• Prune winter-flowering shrubs immediately after they finish flowering.

• Plant lily bulbs for a colourful summer display.

 

Vegetable Garden:

• It’s probably too cold to sow veg seeds outside, but warm the soil with clear polythene for an early start in March.

• Check chitting potatoes and make sure they have enough light and it's not too warm for them.

• Check chitting seed potatoes to ensure they're producing short, stocky, dark green shoots.

• Give all fruit a good start to the year by applying a general-purpose balanced feed.

• Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries by cutting down all the canes to the ground.

• Cover the blossom of early-flowering peaches and nectarines with fleece to protect from frost damage.

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Lawn care:

• Create new lawns, or repair damaged ones, by laying fresh turf.

• Prepare the soil for new lawns being laid from seed in spring.

• Spiking the lawn with a garden fork will help reduce waterlogging problems.

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