Time to get out into the garden

During February your garden could need protecting from all sorts of weather conditions from frosts to heavy rain and wind but there should be a few days when you’ll be able to get out and get some tasks completed. Here are our top tips for this month…

1. It is important to make sure you check any ties, stakes or other plant supports for damage this month and replace them if necessary.

2. Begin chitting (which is another word for sprouting – to chit is to cause (a potato) to sprout by placing it in a cool light place) early potatoes and place them in a bright, cool, frost-free place. When shoots begin to sprout pinch out all except for two or three.

3. For an early crop, potatoes can begin to be grown in containers in an unheated greenhouse.

4. Cut down the old stems of perennial plants.

5. If you haven’t already done so prune apple and pear trees.

6. Blackcurrant, gooseberry and redcurrant bushes can be pruned too.

7. If you have a vegetable garden start planning what you want to grow now to ensure good crop rotation and prevent pests and diseases from building up in the soil.

8. Consider installing a water butt to help collect water ready for use in the summer.

9. Continue clearing paths and repairing any tools.

10. If the soil is workable, start hoeing to prevent weeds.