February is a good time to get on top of the garden chores (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Although your garden might look barren over winter, there’s still plenty to do. If you want to make sure your garden has the best chance of bouncing back in the spring, there are four important jobs to do this month.
Gardening expert Paul Parker, from plants and bulbs specialists J. Parker has shared his expertise about how to ensure your space is ready for the warmer weather. Although it might look like nothing is happening in your garden, your plants are likely in dire need of a spruce-up. From pruning to planting, these chores will give your garden its best chance.
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Pruning in winter is an essential task (Image: Getty)1. Divide flowers
In February, some flowers will begin to bloom, giving a glimpse of what’s to come in spring. Paul said: “February is the peak time for snowdrop displays, commonly known as the herald of spring, their nodding bell blooms are an early signal that the new season is just around the corner. Although snowdrops will naturalise without any intervention, if you want to introduce these early spring bulbs to other areas in your garden, now is the time to lift and divide.”
You can use a trowel or shovel to lift these clumps of flowers from the ground and then split them through the root to create two plants.
One cluster can be replanted in its original spot, and the other half can be planted in a desired location. These new plants will form new colonies and naturalise, producing more flowers the following year.
2. Sprout potatoes
Also known as ‘chitting’, this task will ensure you can grow large, delicious potatoes in the spring. Paul said, “For those new to growing potatoes, ‘chitting’ is the process of allowing your seed potatoes to begin sprouting before planting them outside.
“Not all varieties will need chitting. You should do this step for first and second early potatoes, but main crop varieties can be grown directly outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.”
To do this, all you need to do is pop your potatoes in a tray or an old egg box and keep them somewhere cool and light.
Paul said: “Don’t keep them in a shed or dark garage, as the sunlight will help to speed up the process. On the other hand, if the room gets too hot, they will shrivel, so find a bright, lightly warm spot for them. For the best results, this should be done roughly four to six weeks before you plan on planting them in the ground or in a grow bag.”
Get your potatoes ready for planting (Image: Getty)3. Transplant shrubs
If you want to reorganise where your shrubs are growing, February is a great time to do so. Shrubs are dormant in the winter, so if you’ve noticed that some of your greenery isn’t thriving, dig them up and re-plant them. Paul said: “It’s as easy as digging up your shrub from the roots and transplanting it in a new spot, making sure to give it a good drink of water to help it take root. Make sure not to move any winter shrubs that are currently in flower.”
4. Prune wisteria, clematis, and other climbing plants
For stunning flowers in spring and summer, you need to prune your climbing plants now. Paul said wisteria will benefit particularly well. He said: “This is a vigorous climber that requires pruning twice a year, once in winter while the plant is dormant and again in summer to maintain an ideal size and shape. To give a wisteria a winter prune, using a clean and sharp pair of secateurs, cut back stems to three buds from the base of the plant.”
Another plant that loves a prune is clematis. Cut the stems down to a healthy bud, around 30cm from the base. When it starts to grow again, it should come in neat and tidy rather than looking leggy.
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