Iris (Reticulata) 'Alida'
February
Here in West Sussex we've had hard frosts and cold easterly winds. But now the temperature has risen, albeit for a brief moment and the rain is back. However all is not doom and gloom! It is now light until 5.30pm which makes a huge difference and the glorious snow drops, snow flakes, hellebores, irises and early daffodils are out providing some much needed colour in the rather soggy and brown landscape.
With spring rapidly approaching, there is no time to be lost. Beds and borders have been mulched with heaps of well rotted manure, which will hopefully improve the soil structure, surpress the weeds and help feed the plants for the coming year.
Boxes of seeds have arrived and now the fun planning can begin. I fear it's still too early to start sowing with gusto even though everything in me is desparate to make a start. The night temperatures are still low, but the window sills are being cleared and propagators cleaned ready in anticipation.
As we wait patiently for spring to come, here are some ideas of what you could be doing in your garden this month.
What to do in the garden this month:
Sow/Plant:
Order dahlias
Start sowing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and aubergines in a warm spot later in the month.
Sow an early batch of broad beans direct.
Start chitting early potatoes.
Mulch aparagus and artichokes.
Plant trees and fruit bushes.
Prepare beds and borders - weed and mulch.
Plant snowdrops in the green.
Harvest/pick:
Iris, hellebores, snowdrops, snowflakes, crocus, aconites.
Leeks, kale, cabbage, chard, spinach.
Secature/lopper jobs:
Prune wisteria to 2-3 buds - last chance!
Prune cornus (dogwoods at the end of the month)
Prune winter flowering jasmine after flowering.
Prune fuchsia, buddlias and ornamental grasses.
Cut back autumn fruiting raspberries.
Prune currants.
Cut back late flowering group 3 clematis to about 2 foot.
Winter prune apple and pear trees
(but not cherry or plum)
Lawns and ponds:
Mow when the grass starts growing but
not too short!
Keep feeding and watering the birds!