By Benedict Vanheems, February 3, 2024
As spring approaches, the garden begins to stir, making February the perfect time to prepare for the growing season ahead. Tackle these 10 essential jobs now to get ahead of the curve and set your garden up for success.
1. Force Early Strawberries
Give strawberries a head start by moving plants into a cold frame or greenhouse. Ensure they’ve had their winter chill to stimulate flowering. Pot them up in a soil-based mix, pollinate flowers with a paintbrush, and feed with a high-potassium tomato fertilizer. With care, you could enjoy juicy strawberries by late spring.
2. Ventilate Covered Spaces
As sunlight increases, greenhouses and cold frames can heat up quickly. Prevent temperature extremes by opening vents or doors on sunny days. Use a max-min thermometer to monitor fluctuations and maintain a stable environment for your plants.
3. Harvest Winter Vegetables
Keep picking hardy winter crops like kale, leeks, and parsnips. These cold-weather staples provide fresh, nutritious ingredients for soups and stews while you prepare your beds for spring planting.
4. Prick Out Seedlings
Transplant young seedlings into individual pots or plugs, handling them gently by their leaves to avoid damage. Early pricking out minimizes root disturbance and gives your plants the best start.
5. Mulch Fruit Bushes
Feed fruit trees and bushes with a thick layer of mulch, such as compost, decomposed leaves, or woodchips. This enriches the soil and suppresses weeds. If the ground isn’t frozen, it’s also a great time to plant bare-root or container-grown fruits.
6. Dig Compost Pits
Directly bury kitchen waste where heavy feeders like squash or beans will grow. Dig a foot-deep pit, fill it with scraps, and cover it with soil. Mark the location for easy planting in spring.
7. Tidy Ponds
Clear pond edges of weeds and remove fallen leaves from the water. Place debris nearby so pond creatures can return to their habitat. Top up with rainwater if levels are low.
8. Prepare Seedbeds
Pre-warm soil for early sowing by covering it with clear plastic or glass. This accelerates weed seed germination, allowing you to hoe them off for a clean, weed-free bed ready for planting.
9. Sow Radishes
Radishes thrive in cool soil. Sow seeds about an inch apart in rows spaced 8 inches apart. Use cloches or cold frames if temperatures are low, and enjoy your harvest in 6-7 weeks.
10. Start Cucumbers
If growing cucumbers in a greenhouse or warm climate, sow seeds by late February. Plant one seed per pot, keep them warm, and transfer seedlings carefully as they grow.
Gardening in February offers a mix of preparation and anticipation. By completing these tasks, you’ll pave the way for a productive and rewarding growing season. Get your hands dirty, and watch your garden come alive!