What to Do in the Garden in February | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in February, including pruning, lawns, trees and shrubs, fruit, vegetables, hard landscaping, weather advice and the best plants to enjoy this month.
What to do in my garden in February
February may still feel firmly like winter, but the garden is beginning to change. Days are gradually getting longer, early bulbs are appearing, buds are starting to swell and, during milder spells, there is plenty that can be done to prepare the garden for spring.
For gardeners in the UK, February is an important month for pruning, tidying, preparing soil, looking after lawns and hard landscaping, and getting ahead with fruit and vegetable growing. The weather can vary enormously, however, so many jobs should be carried out according to conditions rather than simply because the calendar says February.
Avoid working wet or frozen soil, postpone pruning during severe frost, and use dry days to tackle jobs that will make the garden easier to manage once growth accelerates in March and April.
Top 10 tips
1. Cut back old herbaceous perennial growth
Remove dead stems and foliage from established perennial borders where they are no longer providing useful winter structure or habitat. Take care around emerging shoots, which can easily be damaged.
2. Prune suitable deciduous shrubs
February is a useful time to prune many deciduous shrubs while they remain dormant. Remove dead, damaged, diseased and crossing branches and improve the overall shape where necessary.
Avoid indiscriminately pruning spring-flowering shrubs, as many already carry the flower buds that will produce this year's display.
3. Prune established apple and pear trees
Winter pruning of apples and pears can continue during February while the trees remain dormant. Aim to maintain an open, balanced framework that allows good light and air circulation through the canopy.
4. Prepare vegetable beds
On suitable soil, clear weeds, spread well-rotted organic matter and prepare beds ready for spring planting.
Do not cultivate heavy soil when it is waterlogged, as this can damage its structure.
5. Check trees and shrubs after winter weather
Inspect recently planted trees, hedging and larger shrubs after periods of strong wind. Make sure stakes remain secure and ties are not excessively tight.
Firm back any plants that have been loosened by frost or wind.
6. Clean patios, paths and paving
Algae and organic debris can make paving slippery during winter. Sweep regularly and clean surfaces where necessary using a method suitable for the paving material.
7. Look after early bulbs
Snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores, early daffodils and other winter and early spring plants can provide valuable colour in February.
Remove damaged foliage where appropriate but allow bulb foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
8. Start planning spring planting
February is an excellent time to assess gaps within borders and decide where additional trees, shrubs, perennials or hedging could improve the garden.
Planning before the spring rush also makes it easier to choose plants for specific soil, light and moisture conditions.
9. Protect plants during severe weather
Keep horticultural fleece or other suitable protection available for vulnerable plants when hard frost is forecast.
Container-grown plants may be particularly vulnerable because their roots are more exposed to low temperatures.
10. Take advantage of dry weather
Some February days are simply unsuitable for gardening. When conditions are dry, however, use the opportunity to complete structural jobs, repairs, pruning and preparation before spring growth begins.
Herbaceous Perennials
February is a transitional month in perennial borders. Many plants remain dormant, but new growth may already be visible at soil level.
Old stems can now be cut down where they are no longer required for winter interest or wildlife. Plants such as sedums, asters, rudbeckias, ornamental grasses and many other herbaceous perennials may have been deliberately left standing through winter and can gradually be cleared as spring approaches.
Take particular care when working around emerging crowns. Delphiniums, hostas and many other perennials can produce new shoots surprisingly early during mild weather.
Remove weeds while they are still small, but avoid walking or digging on saturated soil.
Where conditions are suitable, established herbaceous perennials can also be lifted and divided towards the end of winter or beginning of spring.
Dividing overcrowded plants can reinvigorate them while providing additional plants for elsewhere in the garden.
This can be a particularly useful time to assess the structure of borders before foliage expands and hides the underlying layout.
February is one of the most useful months for inspecting established trees and shrubs.
While deciduous plants remain dormant, their branch structure is clearly visible, making it easier to identify damaged, congested, crossing or poorly positioned growth.
Many deciduous shrubs can be pruned at this time, although pruning should always be appropriate to the species.
Spring-flowering shrubs frequently flower on wood produced the previous year and should generally not be heavily pruned before flowering.
Summer-flowering shrubs that bloom on new growth are often suitable for later winter or early spring pruning.
Recently planted specimen trees should also be checked following winter winds. Inspect tree stakes, underground anchoring systems and ties, ensuring that the rootball remains stable.
Tree ties should support the tree without cutting into the bark.
February can also remain a good planting month for many trees, shrubs and hedging plants, provided the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged.
Bare-root and root-balled plants should generally be planted before active spring growth begins.
Evergreen plants can lose considerable moisture through their foliage during cold, dry or windy weather. Recently planted specimens may therefore still require watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly in sheltered gardens where rainfall does not fully penetrate the soil.
February lawns often look tired after months of wet, frost and low light.
The most important rule is to avoid unnecessary traffic when the ground is waterlogged or frozen.
Walking repeatedly over saturated lawns compresses the soil and damages grass growth, while walking on heavily frosted grass can bruise the frozen leaves.
Continue to remove fallen leaves and debris so that the grass receives as much air and light as possible.
If conditions are mild and the lawn is actively growing, an occasional high cut may be possible. Do not scalp the lawn or mow simply because the calendar says it should be done.
Now is also a useful time to identify drainage problems, compacted areas, excessive shade and badly worn sections that may require renovation during spring.
Avoid major scarification or aggressive lawn renovation until growing conditions improve.
February is an important month in the fruit garden.
Winter pruning of established apple and pear trees can usually continue while the trees remain dormant.
The aim is generally to create a well-spaced framework that allows sunlight and air into the canopy while encouraging productive fruiting wood.
Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches first, followed by badly crossing or congested growth.
Do not winter prune stone fruits such as cherries and plums, which are generally better pruned during the growing season when the risk of diseases such as silver leaf is lower.
Autumn-fruiting raspberries can usually be cut down close to ground level during winter before new growth begins.
Check fruit supports, wires and ties and repair anything damaged by winter weather.
February can also be an excellent time to plant many bare-root fruit trees and bushes provided the soil is workable.
v1AThe vegetable garden begins to become considerably busier during February.
Much will depend on local weather and soil conditions.
Where the ground is sufficiently dry, remove weeds and prepare vacant beds by incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter.
Avoid cultivating heavy, wet soil because working it while saturated can cause long-term structural damage.
Under cover, a wider range of crops can begin to be sown. Depending on your facilities and growing conditions, these might include early salads, onions, leeks, broad beans and selected varieties of vegetables intended for an early start.
Chitting first early and second early potatoes can also begin. Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright, frost-free position with the end carrying the greatest number of eyes facing upwards.
Keep an eye on stored vegetables and remove anything showing signs of rot before it affects neighbouring produce.
Many perennial herbs remain dormant or semi-dormant during February, but it is a useful time to assess the herb garden before spring growth begins.
Remove obviously dead material where appropriate and clear fallen leaves that may be trapping excessive moisture around the crowns of plants.
Woody Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme can dislike prolonged winter wet, particularly in heavy soil.
Good drainage is therefore extremely important.
Avoid cutting deeply into old woody growth during cold conditions.
Indoor or greenhouse-grown herbs can be started earlier where sufficient light and warmth are available.
Mint and some other vigorous perennial herbs can also be divided before strong growth resumes.
If creating a new herb garden, February is an ideal planning month. Consider sunlight, drainage and easy access from the kitchen when deciding where herbs will be grown.
Water features still require attention during winter even though they may be used less frequently.
Remove fallen leaves and accumulated organic matter from ponds and water features before they decompose.
Check pumps, filters and pipework for frost damage.
Where pumps have been removed for winter, inspect and clean them before reinstalling them later in the season.
Do not smash ice on a frozen wildlife pond, as the shock waves can affect aquatic life.
If necessary, use an appropriate method to maintain gas exchange without disturbing the pond unnecessarily.
February is also a good time to assess the condition of rills, fountains, reservoirs and decorative water features before they are brought back into regular use during spring.
Inspect joints, seals, liners, grilles and surrounding paving for damage caused by frost movement.
Winter is excellent at revealing problems with hard landscaping.
Rain, frost and falling leaves can highlight drainage issues, movement and surfaces that have become slippery.
Inspect:
Patios and terraces
Garden paths
Steps
Retaining walls
Edging
Driveways
Paving joints
Drainage channels
Manhole covers
Raised beds
Clear leaves and debris from drainage channels and gullies so water can move freely during periods of heavy rainfall.
Algae can develop on paving in damp, shaded areas and may create a significant slip hazard. Cleaning methods should always be appropriate for the paving material.
Check porcelain paving, natural stone and other surfaces for movement, damaged joints or areas where standing water is developing.
Repeated puddling may indicate a drainage or installation problem rather than simply winter weather.
February is also an excellent month to plan new patios, paths and other landscaping projects before demand increases during spring and summer.
Inspect garden structures following winter storms and strong winds.
Pay particular attention to:
Pergolas
Gazebos
Fences
Privacy screens
Gates
Trellis
Raised beds
Bin stores
Log stores
Garden buildings
Loose fixings and small amounts of movement are generally easier to repair before they become significant structural problems.
Timber fences and gates may expand during prolonged wet weather, which can affect alignment and operation.
Check timber posts close to ground level for signs of decay.
February can also be a useful time for repairs and preparation before climbing plants begin producing new growth.
Clean gutters on garden buildings and make sure rainwater outlets and drainage systems remain clear.
House plants are gradually responding to increasing daylight, although most are still growing more slowly than they will in spring.
Continue watering carefully.
One of the most common winter problems is overwatering when plants are using relatively little moisture.
Check the compost before watering rather than following a fixed schedule.
Move plants away from cold draughts and avoid allowing foliage to touch freezing windows.
Plants located immediately above radiators may experience the opposite problem, with very warm and dry air causing leaf edges to brown.
Wipe dust from larger foliage plants so leaves can make maximum use of available light.
Check regularly for pests such as spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs.
Repotting can usually wait until stronger spring growth begins unless a plant urgently requires attention.
February weather in the UK can be extremely unpredictable.
A mild sunny afternoon may be followed by heavy rain, frost, snow or strong winds only a few days later.
The key to February gardening is therefore flexibility.
Frost
Hard frost can make pruning and soil cultivation unsuitable.
Avoid walking on frozen lawns and delay planting if the soil is frozen.
New growth produced during unusually mild weather can also become vulnerable if temperatures suddenly fall.
Heavy Rain
Waterlogged soil should generally be left alone.
Digging or repeatedly walking across saturated ground can destroy soil structure and cause compaction.
Instead, use wet periods to assess where drainage improvements may be required.
Snow
Heavy snow may need to be gently removed from vulnerable evergreen shrubs, hedges and structures where its weight is causing branches to bend excessively.
Avoid violently shaking frozen branches.
Strong Winds
Check newly planted trees, temporary screens, fences and garden structures after storms.
Trees that move at root level may need to be carefully firmed and their staking system checked.
Mild Weather
Mild February conditions can encourage surprisingly early growth.
Weeds may also start growing, making early control useful.
However, remember that late winter cold can return suddenly, so avoid becoming overconfident simply because several mild days have occurred.
Plants to enjoy in February
Border and rock garden
Border and Rock Garden
Plants that can provide interest in February include:
Helleborus
Hellebores are among the great plants of the late winter garden, providing elegant flowers at a time when relatively little else is blooming.
They work particularly well beneath deciduous trees and shrubs or within woodland-style planting.
Galanthus – Snowdrops
Snowdrops are one of the classic signs that winter is beginning to loosen its grip.
They are particularly effective when allowed to naturalise beneath trees or through informal grass and woodland planting.
Crocus
Early crocuses provide brilliant splashes of colour during sunny winter days and are valuable additions to lawns, gravel gardens and borders.
Cyclamen coum
This small hardy cyclamen produces delicate winter flowers above beautifully patterned foliage.
It performs particularly well beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
Iris reticulata
Compact winter and early spring irises offer intense colour and are excellent in pots, raised beds, gravel gardens and rockeries.
Eranthis hyemalis – Winter Aconite
Bright yellow flowers appear above fresh green foliage, often forming impressive carpets beneath deciduous trees.
Bergenia
Bergenias can provide both evergreen foliage and late winter flowers. Many varieties develop attractive reddish or bronze winter colouring.
Heuchera
Although primarily grown for foliage, many heucheras retain excellent colour through winter and help maintain visual interest in otherwise dormant borders.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Fatsia japonica
Large, glossy evergreen leaves give Fatsia a dramatic architectural quality throughout winter.
It is particularly useful in sheltered or partially shaded gardens.
Mahonia
Mahonia provides strong evergreen structure alongside striking winter flowers.
Its bold foliage works particularly well within woodland and shade planting.
Aucuba japonica
Aucuba is an extremely useful evergreen for difficult shady conditions.
Variegated forms provide additional colour during the darkest months.
Euonymus fortunei
Many forms of Euonymus provide colourful evergreen foliage throughout winter and can be used as ground cover, small shrubs or climbing plants.
Pittosporum
In sheltered gardens, Pittosporum can provide elegant evergreen foliage and a strong structural presence.
Phormium
Architectural sword-like leaves can provide excellent winter structure, although some varieties may require protection in colder or exposed gardens.
Carex
Many evergreen and semi-evergreen sedges retain excellent foliage through winter and are particularly useful for adding movement and texture.
Trees with colourful fruit
Persistent berries and fruit can provide valuable colour during February while also offering food for garden wildlife.
Malus – Crab Apples
Some crab apple varieties retain colourful fruits well into winter, creating an impressive display against bare branches.
Sorbus – Rowan
Depending on species, variety and wildlife activity, some Sorbus may retain fruits into the winter months.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Red haws can occasionally persist through winter and provide an important food source for birds.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Female holly plants can carry bright red berries through winter where pollination has occurred and birds have not already eaten them.
Pyracantha
Pyracantha can produce heavy clusters of yellow, orange or red berries that may persist for much of winter.
Cotoneaster
Many Cotoneaster species produce large numbers of red or orange berries that are highly attractive to birds.
Greenhouse plants in flower
A heated or protected greenhouse can provide welcome colour during February.
Depending on temperature and growing conditions, plants of interest may include:
Pelargoniums
Overwintered pelargoniums kept in suitable conditions may continue flowering or begin producing fresh growth as daylight increases.
Cyclamen
Florist cyclamen can provide excellent winter colour within cool greenhouse environments.
Primulas
Many primulas perform particularly well in cool protected environments and provide an early burst of spring colour.
Camellias
Container-grown camellias kept in cool greenhouse or conservatory conditions may begin flowering earlier than outdoor specimens.
Orchids
Many orchids grown indoors or under heated glass can provide flowers during February, although requirements vary significantly between species.
Clivias
Clivia can produce impressive clusters of orange, yellow or red-orange flowers during late winter and early spring.
Preparing Your Garden for Spring
February is perhaps best thought of as a preparation month.
The garden may still appear dormant, but below ground and inside seemingly bare branches plants are already preparing for spring.
Completing pruning, repairs, soil preparation, border maintenance and planning now can make an enormous difference once growth accelerates.
Rather than attempting every job regardless of conditions, work with the weather. Use cold and wet days for planning and observation, and take advantage of dry, mild periods to carry out practical work.
A little preparation in February can create a healthier, more attractive and considerably easier-to-manage garden throughout the year.