By Rob Bullock robbullockauthor.blogspot.com
Whilst your garden might appear dormant in February, gardeners certainly are not, working outside planting trees and shrubs and inside sowing seeds.
Gardeners need to be ever flexible according to the delights of the British weather and never more so than in February. When the days are fine, get outside and plant trees and shrubs. When the weather is inclement, why not busy yourself in the greenhouse, the potting shed or in your kitchen sowing seeds that will bear fruit or bloom in the months ahead.
Planting trees and shrubs
February is the perfect time to plant trees or large shrubs in your garden. Frozen ground will make it difficult and waterlogged soil will determine what you plant but if the conditions are cool and dry then February is the perfect planting time.
What to plant
Shrubs to plant include Witch Hazel, Winter Jasmine and Mahonia’s which will provide beautiful foliage and flowers later in the year.
The size of your garden will determine which trees you plant. Planting an oak or horse chestnut that could grow to an immense size is unadvisable in a small garden so instead chose a Paperbark Maple or an ornamental cherry, or small fruit tree.
How to plant
Make sure root balls are teased out (except for shrubs who do not like root disturbance, for example magnolias). The hole needs to be no deeper than the root ball but around three times wider. Add some organic matter. Soak the root ball in water for around half an hour before placing carefully in the hole and filling and firming. Stake and shield from rodents. Water in well.
Sowing Vegetable Seeds
Leeks, fennel and artichoke can be sown indoors as can broad beans, peas, carrots, early beetroot, parsnips, summer cabbage and spinach. Early potatoes can also begin the ‘chitting’ process on a windowsill.
Sowing flowers
Some of the best flowers to grow from seed are sweet peas, which are the sweet smell of summer. Seed catalogues are full of some wonderful varieties from ‘Spencer’ to ‘Anne Gregg’ to ‘Noel Sutton’ or a general mix.
Cosmos can be sown inside from February as can some marigolds, lupins and delphiniums. By growing from seed, you can enjoy seeing tiny seeds grow into stunning floral displays, saving yourself a lot of money on established plants later in the year. You also get an immense choice. Choose a specialist seed compost, peat free composts work well, for best results and label your containers clearly.
