What to do in the garden in February<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\nCheck around the base of fruit bushes for weeds<\/a> and self-sowers. <\/b>The ground around them should be clear to the drip line \u2013 that is, the outer edge of the plant\u2019s canopy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nPlants that have been overwintering inside or under glass can be brought out on milder days to enjoy some fresh air in February. <\/b>This will help to stimulate growth and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Generally, I do find that the harder a plant is grown, the healthier it tends to be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n You may also like<\/strong><\/p>\n- What to plant in February<\/a><\/li>\n
- This month\u2019s Gardens Illustrated Magazine<\/a><\/li>\n
- When to plant spring bulbs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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![\""Eranthis\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/JI_200220_JimiBlake_030-935dc1b.jpg?quality=45&resize=556,556"\" "\\"\"Jimi\\"")
<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>\nDepending on the February weather, you may be able to start sowing<\/a> seed. <\/b>I always start at the highest point of the garden, where the sun hits and a good solid yew hedge provides a bit of shelter. Provided it is not too wet or cold, I will start sowing broad beans, beetroot and parsnips directly into the soil from the end of February.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nIf you\u2019re not willing to take the risk of sowing direct, you can get seeds started under glass or just on a windowsill. <\/b>I like to use a large plug tray \u2013 this way, the seedlings can grow on to a decent size without my having to bother with pricking them out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nIf you are only going to sow one thing in the ground in February, may I suggest spring onions? <\/b>They are extremely tough and very useful in the kitchen, particularly as the crop of leeks is coming to an end. I find it very difficult to grow onions<\/a> as our soil is so heavy \u2013 spring onions<\/a> make an excellent substitute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nStart chitting potatoes. <\/b>Place them eye end up, in a cool \u2013 but frost-free \u2013 spot, with plenty of light. A windowsill is perfect. I like to use the one outside my bedroom so that each morning I am reminded that spring<\/a> is coming, and things are starting to move again. Egg boxes make an ideal container, or if you are gardening on a larger scale try a shallow wooden box, using sections of folded newspaper to hold each spud in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nSow salad. <\/b>You can do this direct in the soil<\/a>, but I find I get better results at this time of year from sowing in pots. The soil is warmer, and the whole pot can be moved inside if the weather gets really cold. I like to use a seed mix, so that I get a good range of flavours and colours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nFinally, be ready with the hessian or fleece. <\/b>These early crops will thank you for a bit of protection<\/a>. Prop the covering up with a few sticks or stakes, though, to avoid damaging the emerging seedlings.<\/p>\n
Check around the base of fruit bushes for weeds<\/a> and self-sowers. <\/b>The ground around them should be clear to the drip line \u2013 that is, the outer edge of the plant\u2019s canopy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Plants that have been overwintering inside or under glass can be brought out on milder days to enjoy some fresh air in February. <\/b>This will help to stimulate growth and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Generally, I do find that the harder a plant is grown, the healthier it tends to be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n You may also like<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> Depending on the February weather, you may be able to start sowing<\/a> seed. <\/b>I always start at the highest point of the garden, where the sun hits and a good solid yew hedge provides a bit of shelter. Provided it is not too wet or cold, I will start sowing broad beans, beetroot and parsnips directly into the soil from the end of February.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019re not willing to take the risk of sowing direct, you can get seeds started under glass or just on a windowsill. <\/b>I like to use a large plug tray \u2013 this way, the seedlings can grow on to a decent size without my having to bother with pricking them out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you are only going to sow one thing in the ground in February, may I suggest spring onions? <\/b>They are extremely tough and very useful in the kitchen, particularly as the crop of leeks is coming to an end. I find it very difficult to grow onions<\/a> as our soil is so heavy \u2013 spring onions<\/a> make an excellent substitute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Start chitting potatoes. <\/b>Place them eye end up, in a cool \u2013 but frost-free \u2013 spot, with plenty of light. A windowsill is perfect. I like to use the one outside my bedroom so that each morning I am reminded that spring<\/a> is coming, and things are starting to move again. Egg boxes make an ideal container, or if you are gardening on a larger scale try a shallow wooden box, using sections of folded newspaper to hold each spud in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Sow salad. <\/b>You can do this direct in the soil<\/a>, but I find I get better results at this time of year from sowing in pots. The soil is warmer, and the whole pot can be moved inside if the weather gets really cold. I like to use a seed mix, so that I get a good range of flavours and colours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Finally, be ready with the hessian or fleece. <\/b>These early crops will thank you for a bit of protection<\/a>. Prop the covering up with a few sticks or stakes, though, to avoid damaging the emerging seedlings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>