The Gardening Guide Conundrum or how to fight the Cost-Of-Living Crisis.
All gardening is landscape painting
- William Kent
Gardening Throughout the Year: February Tasks
Explore Plant Catalogs and Garden Books:
- Take some time to browse through plant catalogs and gardening books to gather new ideas for garden designs and plant combinations.
Clean and Repair Tools and Equipment:
- Start by cleaning and repairing your gardening tools and equipment. This ensures they are ready for the upcoming season and helps prolong their lifespan.
- Check for any signs of damage or wear, such as rust or loose parts, and address them promptly.
Check Winter Protection:
- If you've applied winter protection to your plants, such as mulch or frost covers, now is a good time to inspect them.
- Ensure that they are still in place and providing adequate protection, especially during periods of milder weather when plants might be vulnerable to sudden freezes.
Pruning:
- Prune fruit trees during mild weather to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
- Thin out overgrown shrubs and bushes, including any neglected raspberry bushes that may have been left unattended after harvest.
Order or Purchase Plant Seeds:
- Begin planning your garden by ordering or purchasing plant seeds for the upcoming growing season.
- Consider the types of plants you want to grow and make sure to include any necessary accessories such as seed trays, labels, and twine.
Start Seeds Indoors:
- Start seeds for summer flowers, lettuce, leeks, and cabbage around the middle of the month.
- Use seed trays filled with appropriate soil mix and place them in a warm, well-lit area indoors to encourage germination.
Sow Cold-Hardy Vegetables:
- Towards the end of the month, take advantage of favorable weather conditions to sow cold-hardy vegetables like spinach, broad beans, and carrots directly into the ground.
Water Evergreens:
- Even though it's still cold, remember to water evergreen plants as needed, especially if they're located in areas sheltered from rainfall.
- Keep an eye on soil moisture levels to prevent dehydration, which can be detrimental to evergreens during winter.
Trim Hedges:
- Complete hedge trimming by the end of the month before new growth begins in spring.
- Use sharp shears or a hedge trimmer to achieve clean, precise cuts, and shape hedges as desired.
By following these February gardening tasks, you'll be well-prepared for the upcoming growing season and ensure a thriving and beautiful garden throughout the year.
