February Gardening Jobs

February is officially the start of spring, with longer days and rising temperatures. As the month progresses, the garden begins to show signs of life with bulbs appearing and wildlife waking up. Planting, pruning, soil preparation and early sowings are some of the jobs waiting to be carried out, once weather conditions are suitable, of course. Check out our full list of February gardening jobs below!

-One of the first jobs of the gardening year is to chit potatoes. Stand potatoes in a shallow tray, eyes upright, in a light, cool and frost-free place.

-Plant shallots and garlic, if conditions are suitable, towards the end of the month.

-Sow a range of vegetable seeds indoors, such as lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, peas, leeks, celery, cabbage, brussels sprouts, radish and carrots. Sow in small pots covered in cling film until germinated.

-Outdoor sowings of the parsnips, spinach and broad beans can also be made towards the end of the month, if soil conditions are suitable.

-Remove any faded or yellowing leaves from overwintering plants.

-February is the perfect month to lightly trim back winter flowering heathers.

-Plant borders and containers with pansies, violas, primulas and heathers to provide a splash of colour right up to the summer months.

-Sow summer bedding seeds inside in pots, on a windowsill or in a greenhouse.

Summer bedding plants to start growing now:

-Spread a layer of well-rotted manure around roses and shrubs.

-In mild areas, prune roses and remove any dead or damaged stems. Apply top dressing around each rose.

-Tidy up perennial and shrub beds. Cut down last year’s dead growth from hardy perennials and spread a layer of mulch around each.

-Feed fruit trees and bushes by sprinkling sulphate of potash fertiliser around the base to encourage fruiting.

-Prune fruit trees, climbers and shrubs before new growth starts. The worst frosts are usually over by now.

-Check your lawnmower's engine and if necessary have it serviced before grass growth takes off. Always change the oil before grass cutting gets underway.

-If it is warm enough outside, treat sheds, fences and trellis with a wood preserver before staining or painting.

-February can still be very cold, don’t forget to fill bird feeders and hang fatballs to ensure our flying friends can access food.

You can find everything you'll need to complete these February gardening jobs here and in store. Happy Gardening!