February Gardening Checklist: Monthly Guide to a Flourishing Spring Garden

As winter starts to ease and the days gradually get longer, February is an exciting time for gardeners looking ahead to spring. Snowdrops are appearing, crocuses add a welcome splash of colour, and the first daffodils hint at brighter days to come. There’s still plenty of frost and rain, but it’s the perfect time to start planning, prepping, and planting for the season ahead. Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, this guide will help you make the most of your February garden.

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Protect and Prepare Tender Plants

February’s unpredictable weather makes it essential to protect tender plants. Frost, wind, and rain can damage delicate foliage and roots, but with a few precautions, your plants will emerge unscathed and ready for spring growth.

Plants shielded by fleeces, cloches, or cold frames should be checked regularly. On mild days, lift covers to allow air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases or moss buildup on the soil surface. Re-secure covers tightly on frosty nights, ensuring they stay in place during strong winds.

Potted plants are especially prone to waterlogging in winter. Check that drainage holes are clear, and consider raising pots on bricks or feet to prevent them from sitting in water. Adding a layer of grit to the compost improves drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.

Revitalise Your Soil and Lawns

Healthy soil and a tidy lawn are the foundation of a thriving garden. February is an excellent time to prepare your beds and grassed areas for the months ahead. Break up compacted soil in new or existing planting areas using a fork or a rake, and remove any perennial weeds and their roots. Work in well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil, then rake the surface level. Allow the soil to settle for a few days before planting to avoid future compaction.

Clear fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. If moss has taken hold, apply a moss control product and lightly scarify the affected areas. For lawns where growth has resumed due to mild weather, mow using a high blade setting. Avoid mowing when frost is forecast, as this can damage the grass.

Use a half-moon edger to redefine borders between your lawn and flowerbeds, creating sharp, professional lines. This simple task dramatically improves the appearance of your garden, making it look tidy and well-maintained.

Get Ahead with Vegetables

February is an exciting time for vegetable gardeners. Careful planning and preparation now can give you a head start on the growing season, ensuring an earlier and more productive harvest. Hardy vegetables like leeks continue to provide fresh produce in February. These resilient crops withstand frost beautifully, but the soil may harden in cold conditions. Use a sturdy garden fork to gently loosen the soil before lifting leeks. Once harvested, remove the tough outer leaves and wash the vegetables thoroughly before use.

If you’re growing potatoes, February is the time to start chitting. Place seed potatoes for first and second early varieties in a bright, frost-free location, such as a windowsill. Arrange them with the "eyes" facing upwards and leave them to develop sturdy, knobbly shoots over several weeks. This process encourages faster establishment and earlier harvests. Maincrop varieties do not require chitting and can be planted directly in spring.

Plan for Spectacular Blooms

February is the perfect time to set the stage for a vibrant and colourful flower garden. Whether you’re planting bulbs or maintaining established plants, a little effort now will ensure stunning results in the months to come. Lilies are versatile, show-stopping flowers that thrive in containers. Choose a large, well-draining pot and fill it with a mix of bark-based compost, grit, and leaf mould. Plant the bulbs 10 cm deep, leaving 5 cm between each bulb. Position the pots in a sheltered, lightly shaded area, watering sparingly until growth begins. Move them to sunnier spots in spring for optimal flowering.

Summer favourites like dahlias can be prepared now for an extended flowering season. Towards the end of February, pot up dormant tubers in peat-free compost, ensuring they are just covered. Place the pots on a heated mat or sunny windowsill and water sparingly until new shoots appear. Take cuttings from these shoots to propagate additional plants, ensuring a fuller display later in the season.

Nourish and Prune Fruit Plants

February is a crucial month for caring for your fruit plants. Pruning, feeding, and mulching now will ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest later in the year. Apply a high-potassium fertiliser around the base of your fruit bushes to support flower and fruit development. Remove weeds by hand to avoid disturbing shallow roots. Water in the fertiliser if rain is not expected.

Cut back all canes from last year’s growth on autumn-fruiting raspberries to ground level. This encourages fresh growth, which will bear fruit in late summer and autumn. After pruning, weed the area and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Examine fruit trees and bushes for signs of disease or damage. Remove broken branches and watch for overwintering pests, such as aphids. Avoid pruning stone fruit trees like cherries and plums now to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.

Kickstart Indoor Growing

February is the perfect time to start indoor gardening. This allows you to get a head start on the growing season while adding a touch of greenery to your home. For an early tomato crop, sow seeds now if you have a heated greenhouse. Use a propagator or warm windowsill to germinate seeds in trays filled with seed compost. Once seedlings are 3–5 cm tall, transplant them into individual pots and maintain consistent moisture. For unheated greenhouses, delay sowing until March.

Microgreens, such as basil, cress, and alfalfa, are quick and easy to grow indoors. Sow seeds in shallow trays of damp compost, keeping them in a bright spot and misting them daily. In just a week, you’ll have fresh, nutrient-rich greens to enjoy in salads and sandwiches.

Pot Up and Care for Cuttings

If you took cuttings of tender perennials like pelargoniums, geraniums or fuchsias last summer, now is the time to pot them up and prepare them for the growing season. Use fresh, peat-free compost enriched with a slow-release fertiliser. Choose pots with good drainage and size them appropriately for each cutting to prevent over- or under-potting.

Check for healthy, robust roots and remove any damaged leaves or flower buds. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy growth and focus the plant’s energy on root development. Water thoroughly after potting to settle the compost and eliminate air pockets. Place the pots in a bright, frost-free location, such as a greenhouse or sunny windowsill, avoiding direct sunlight. Feed weekly with a diluted fertiliser to promote strong growth.

Tidy and Organise Your Shed or Greenhouse

A well-organised garden shed or greenhouse is essential for efficient gardening, especially as spring approaches. Use February to declutter your space, discarding broken tools or supplies that are no longer functional. Inspect and maintain essential equipment, sharpening blades on secateurs, spades, and hoes and oiling moving parts to prolong their lifespan. Store smaller tools and accessories in labelled containers or racks to ensure easy access when the busy season begins.

In the greenhouse, wash the glass inside and out with warm soapy water to maximise light penetration and remove algae or grime that could harbour pests or diseases. Organise pots, trays, and propagation equipment, discarding any damaged items. Take stock of your seeds, fertilisers, and compost, checking expiration dates and ensuring you have sufficient quantities for the upcoming season. Now is the time to order any additional supplies, including specific seed varieties or new plants you plan to introduce. Investing in this preparation will streamline your gardening this year and ensure a seamless start to the growing season.

Finishing February in the Garden

As winter begins to fade and the first signs of spring are approaching, February is the perfect month to set your garden up for success. By protecting tender plants from unpredictable weather, enriching your soil and lawns, and planning for vibrant blooms, you’re laying the groundwork for a flourishing outdoor space. Don’t forget to nurture fruit plants, get a head start on indoor growing, and prepare vegetables like leeks and potatoes for an early harvest.