February is a great time to start working in your garden. Here are our 5 tip gardening jobs for February to help your space look healthy for the coming spring and summer months.
Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs:
February is an ideal time to prune deciduous plants as they are dormant. Pruning deciduous trees, best done in late winter or early spring, improves health, safety, and aesthetics. Use sharp tools: hand pruners for small branches, loppers for medium, and a saw for larger ones. Always wear safety gear.
Focus on the “4 D’s”: dead, damaged, diseased, and dying branches. Remove crossing branches that rub against each other. Cut at the branch collar, the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. For large branches, use the three-cut method: undercut halfway through, then cut down from above, finally removing the stub at the collar.
Two main cuts are heading (shortening branches to stimulate growth) and thinning (removing branches entirely back to a main branch). Avoid over-pruning; remove no more than 25% of the crown annually. Consider the tree’s natural shape. For complex jobs or large trees, consult a certified arborist.
Dividing Perennials:
Dividing herbaceous perennials rejuvenates plants, increases their numbers, and controls their size. The best time is typically late winter/early spring or autumn, when plants aren’t flowering.
First, dig around the clump and lift it from the ground. Shake off excess soil to see the root system. For plants with fibrous roots, gently pull them apart by hand or use two forks inserted back-to-back to lever the clump apart. For tougher roots, use a sharp knife or spade to cut through the crown.
Ensure each division has healthy roots and at least a few shoots. Replant divisions at the same depth as the original plant, spacing them appropriately. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they’re established. This simple process keeps your garden vibrant and full!
Top Dressing Pots and Mulching Borders:
To improve the appearance and health of plants, we recommend top dressing pots with compost and mulching borders. This provides nutrients, covers exposed roots, and protects plants from frost.
Clearing Ponds and Water Features:
Removing fallen leaves and debris from ponds is crucial to maintain water quality and prevent oxygen depletion, especially in wildlife ponds.
Sowing Seeds:
February is a great time to start seeds indoors for plants like cup and saucer vine. Sow your seeds using quality seed compost, space the seeds appropriately, and label your pots to avoid confusion.
