February in the Garden: Getting Ready for Spring
Though the days are still short and frosty, February marks a quiet turning point in the gardening calendar. With spring just around the corner, now is the time to lay the groundwork for a vibrant and healthy season ahead. A little preparation this month will save you time and effort later on – and set your garden up for success.
🌿Tidy Up and Cut Back
Start by gently tidying beds and borders. Remove soggy, collapsed stems from perennials and clear any lingering annuals. Cut back ornamental grasses before new growth begins, and tidy up any storm-damaged branches from trees and shrubs.
✂️ Prune and Shape
February is prime time for pruning many deciduous plants. Tackle late-flowering clematis, summer-flowering shrubs like buddleja and lavatera, and tidy wisteria by cutting side shoots back to 2–3 buds.
It’s also the ideal moment to prune roses. Begin by removing one or two of the oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh growth. Then cut back the remaining stems by about one third – or to your preferred height – just above an outward-facing bud. Also remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems to improve air circulation and maintain a strong, balanced shape.
🧹Weed and Mulch
Tackle emerging weeds now while they’re small and manageable. Once beds are clear, apply a layer of mulch to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and improve soil structure. Homemade compost or well-rotted manure is ideal, or opt for decorative bark or straw-based mulch.
🌱 Prepare for Planting
Check your soil – if it’s workable, begin digging in compost to enrich it. Plan your planting layout and order seeds for vegetables, annuals, and perennials. You can even start sowing hardy varieties like sweet peas and broad beans undercover.
🐝 Support Wildlife
Clean bird feeders and top them up regularly, provide fresh water, and consider leaving some seedheads and dense shrubs undisturbed to shelter overwintering insects and birds.
Whether you’re tackling borders or planning ahead, our team can help get your garden spring-ready with expert pruning, planting, and tailored advice. Let us help you welcome the growing season in full bloom.
