Hartley Magazine

All the latest news, hints, tips and advice from our experts

Gardening 101 – February

Prune

  • Wysteria should be pruned now, as they will bleed if left too late
  • Hardy evergreen hedges
  • Conservatory climbers should be pruned back before birds begin nesting
  • Any winter flowering shrubs which have finished flowering
  • Apple and pear trees should be pruned by the end of February

Plant

  • Roses can now be planted – if planting in an area which has previously grown roses, use mycorrhizal fungi to prevent replant disease
  • Bare root fruit trees can be planted now if ground is not water logged
  • Onions, shallots and garlic can be planted towards the end of February
  • Lily bulbs can be planted in well-drained, enriched soil

Harvest

  • Parsnips and leeks can continue to be harvested through February
  • Brussel sprouts, sprouting broccoli, turnips and leeks can all be harvested

Miscellaneous

  • Prepare vegetable seed beds for spring planting by digging over the soil, incorporating compost and removing any weeds
  • Protect blossoms on fruit trees from the cold using frost fleece
  • Keep potted outdoor plants raised off the ground to protect from frost
  • Chilt potato tubers- they’re best kept in open trays in a bright, cool and frost free area such as a glasshouse
  • Encourage early fruiting in strawberries by covering with cloches