In February, the garden is beginning to wake up after the cold, winter months. Look out for the first green shoots poking through the soil and buds on the branches, letting you know that spring is on the way! If you are making a new garden diary, make a note of when the garden starts to wake up and you see the first snowdrops.
Fruit and veg
Sow now
Outside with protection - broad beans (cultivars such as ‘Express’ or ‘Imperial Green Longpod’ are suited to cold weather), spinach, early carrots, shallots.
Harvest now
Brussels sprouts, winter cabbage, chard, kale and leeks.
Jobs now
- Protect your plants from the cold by using horticultural fleece or cloches.
- Dig and weed any areas ready for sowing and planting when the weather warms up.
- Plant fruit bushes such as currants and gooseberries.
Plants
- Top up any containers with some new compost.
- Weed and then mulch your flower beds.
Wildlife
- Keep putting bird food out in the cold weather and provide access to water.
- Make a log pile in your garden to help small mammals and insects thrive.