February is ‘make or break’ for your garden – three tasks you need to do now

A gardening expert has shared three essential jobs Brits should complete in February to prepare their lawn, prune plants and support wildlife for a thriving spring garden

Sophie Harris Senior Lifestyle Reporter

12:20, 02 Feb 2026

February is ‘make or break’ for your garden – three tasks you need to do now(Image: Penpak Ngamsathain via Getty Images)

With spring on the horizon, gardeners looking to achieve a flourishing display by March need to tackle some crucial tasks immediately. A horticultural specialist has outlined three essential jobs that should be completed without delay.

James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers, explained: “February is make or break for that spring garden. February bridges winter and spring, and the jobs you do now give your garden the strongest start for the months ahead.

“It’s the ideal time for sowing, pruning, soil preparation, and supporting your wildlife, a year-round priority. So, it’s really the time to shave off some spring workload, and give your garden the best possible start to the warmer seasons.”

Get your lawn ready

Whilst it’s too early to begin mowing, the specialist advises preparing your grass for the season ahead. One of the “best ways” to achieve this is by keeping off the turf entirely if conditions are waterlogged or frosty, reports the Express.

The expert continued: “On the drier days, it’s a good idea to gently rake away moss and debris to improve air circulation and compaction.

“You can also consider using a lawn treatment in February, opt for a natural, chemical-free lawn feed safe for birds and wildlife.”

Final opportunity for winter pruning

Whilst January represents the optimal period for winter pruning, February marks the last opportunity for numerous plants, the specialist warns.

Fruit trees, including apples and pears, roses and deciduous shrubs, require pruning before fresh growth emerges, making the present moment ideal.

James explained: “Remove dead, diseased or crossing branches to improve airflow and shape plants for spring.

“Pruning now encourages stronger, healthier growth and better flowering and blooming come spring. Ensure you’re pruning in dry, frost-free weather to prevent damage.”

Supporting wildlife

For gardeners, wildlife should remain a priority throughout the year, with February being a particularly crucial time for the survival of garden creatures.

James said: “As well as keeping bird feed topped up, leaving remaining seedheads on plants and resisting the urge to over-tidy, it provides vital natural food and shelter for birds, insects and hedgehogs.

“Simple piles of logs, leaves or branches offer safe refuge for hedgehogs and overwintering insects, helping protect the wildlife your garden relies on to flourish in spring.”