Jobs to do in February in the garden

The month of February gives some signs of spring arrival. Although it may be even colder than January, there are already a few sunny days and a pleasant enough temperature to get us working outside. So, in this article we’ve compiled a list of jobs to do in February in the garden.

The days are already growing and this gives us enthusiasm for the new season ahead. But don’t let yourself be fooled, there are still many rainy and cold days ahead.

Prune

This is a month for pruning trees and woody shrubs.

Untidy and very compact growths should be pruned to improve the general health and shape of the plants.

Pruning trees and shrubs

Shrubs that flower on new shoots like buddlejas should be cut back very low to produce vigorous new growth.

All the leftovers from the pruning can be placed in the compost pile, the larger ones can be shredded. This can also be a good time to build a compost pile. Pruned branches that are diseased should however be burned.

Plant

The planting of bare root trees and shrubs, including roses, can be done throughout the dormant period, roughly between November and March.

But February is probably the best time to do this, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or soggy.

By planting in February, we guarantee that the plants do not spend so many months with their roots in the cold and damp soil.

Moving shrubs

This way we increase the probability of their survival and good growth, as the temperature will start to rise very soon.

Perennials

Finish preparing the beds of perennials for spring. Remove weeds and dead growth from any plants that may be left over from the fall.

Incorporate organic matter. During this month, some perennials will begin to sprout new growth.

Dahlias

You can plant dahlias in pots to start growing and give them an early kick off before planting in the bed. The new shoots are great for making cuttings and propagating your dahlias.

Annuals

Sow annuals in modules or trays. Annuals bring color and life to any garden.

Cosmos bipinnatus seedlings

If you sow them in advance in January or February, keeping them protected, you will have flowers earlier in the season.

These include cosmos, tagetes, marigolds, zinnias, sweet peas, nasturtiums and many others.

Servicing machines and tools

Winter is the ideal time to service your tools and machines. At this time of year, we have more availability for these tasks.

Gardening tools

These tasks include:

• repair broken machines (contact a professional if necessary);
• sharpening blades;
• cleaning tools;
• oil secateurs springs;
• remove rust.

Doing this maintenance early prevents that frustration of finding the tool is unusable when you need it later in the spring.

Good maintenance will also make the tools last longer and operate in better safety conditions.

Apply organic fertilizers

This is a good time to enrich the soil with organic fertilizers.

Sprinkle granulated dry chicken manure, for example, and mix it in the soil of the beds. This will give your plants a good start in the spring as it decomposes.

I hope this list of jobs to do in February helps you prepare for the season ahead. Did I forget any task? Feel free to add it below. Thank you.