Gardening Jobs for February

 

Shrub Border

Once winter-flowering shrubs have finished flowering they should be pruned.

We can prune all types of roses during February before the new shoots come into growth once the weather warms up.

Towards the end of February finish pruning large shrubs such as Cornus, Buddleja and Lavatera, prune them back to encourage new shoots to sprout from the base of the plant.

If your rose bushes have suffered from black spot in previous years, spray the surface of the soil with copper fungicide to kill any resting spores.

All shrubs, roses and trees will gain from a top dressing of well rotted farmyard manure and a sprinkling of Bonemeal at this time of year.

 Perennial Borders

Early spring bulbs such as the yellow Winter Aconite, delicate Snowdrops and Cyclamen Coum are now starting to flower, adding early colour to the garden borders. It’s a sure sign spring is on the way and that the garden is coming to life once again.

On sale now are ready-grown pots of Snowdrops, Tete a Tete Daffodils and Crocus.

Stored Dahlia tubers should be examined from time to time, if there is any sign of mould or rot on the tubers, if so they should be dusted with sulphur. Make sure you continue to protected against frost.

Complete any lifting and dividing of herbaceous perennials this month before they begin to grow. When re-planting, try to plant in groups of three or five for a balanced look. To help you achieve this Botany Bay has a great selection of herbaceous perennials.

Herbaceous perennials will gain from a top dressing of well rotted farmyard manure and a sprinkling of bonemeal. Some half hardy annuals can now be sown under cloches such as Cornflower, Cosmos, Salvia and Sweetpeas, these shouldn’t be planted out until after the last frosts.

As well as Dahlias, Lily bulbs can be planted once the milder weather arrives. When planting lilies drop some horticultural sand in the bottom of the hole before planting and this will help good drainage.

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

Now is the time to choose your vegetable seeds. Soil conditions should soon start to improve from now on and early sowings of some vegetable seeds can be made under cloches. These include onions, carrots, peas, lettuce and radishes,

Even in February there can still be slug damage on the young seedlings. We offer slug treatments that are pet and child friendly.

Once the soil has dried after the frost, firm any spring cabbage that have become loose by the frost. Now’s the time to feed spring cabbage with a quick acting nitrogenous fertilizer.

Fruit trees are now in stock in various sizes and flavours. However if you're already lucky enough to have fruit trees in your garden you can offer them a spring boost with sulphate of ammonia, this is a rapid acting nitrogen plant food promoting healthy plant growth and rich, green foliage.

Cut autumn fruiting Raspberry canes to the ground and others to a bud above the top wire.

Lawn Care

The grass will now start to grow and it will not be long before the mowing season will begin in earnest. Now’s the time to service your lawn mower, blades an all.

Sweep the lawn with a natural Besom broom to break down any worm casts. Rake any remaining leaves off the lawn.

Greenhouse

In a heated greenhouse the sowing of many half hardy annuals can take place, these include tomatoes.

Home Grown rooted geraniums, fuchsias and hanging basket plants will soon be available at Botany Bay. These can all be grown on in a heated Greenhouse.

Garden Pond, Birds and Wildlife

If February is cold, keep the pond heater running on a low setting. In order to keep the hungry Heron away – keep the pond netting on. If fish are active, feed a small amount. Keep filters running, however if weather is severe disconnect.

Keep bird baths free from ice. Bird feeders should be kept topped up and we offer a wide range of feed mixes.

Tie moss or hay in a large deciduous shrub, garden birds will welcome the chance of some snug nesting material.

House Plants

Keep them away from draughts. Mist foliage plants to help humidity. Move tender plants away from the window sill on cold nights.

Finally... Jamie’s Top Tips

1. If you’re thinking of purchasing new trees and shrubs now is a great time. If frosty conditions continue leave the plants in their pots in a sheltered spot in the garden until the weather improves.

2. Lightly water any evergreen shrubs you have in containers, during frosty weather evergreens dry out quickly.

3. Botany Bay now have a fantastic selection of seed potatoes, ready potted spring bulbs and summer flowering bulbs.