“In winter’s cold and sparkling snow, The garden in my mind does grow… My inner eye sees past the snow. And in my mind, my garden grows.” Never has a quote reflected the challenges of gardening in February so well! When I look back at my February garden blogs from previous years, I can see lots of colour and scent, thanks to the mild temperatures. Not quite as much this year, alas, we’ve had some prolonged icy weather as well as snow. So, memories of past glories aside, what gardening can you do in February?
What to do in the garden in February
As I said last month, I’m approaching my monthly garden diary updates a little differently this year. With a focus on trying to answer some of the queries that I see people are looking for online. Also as I said, this garden blog series only relates to our garden and orchard in the South West of England. But still, I hope my February gardening tips will be of interest to anyone who finds these posts.
Winter flowering plants in February
As you’ll see from picture at the top of this post, our hellebores are coming into their own now. They really are my favourite winter flowering plants which, now they’re established, come back every year. I only need to keep pruning away any old leaves over the next few months, to give the new buds plenty of light and air.
Our snowdrops are nearly over and once the flowers have died back it will be time to lift, divide, and replant them. Planting snowdrops “in the green“ is a tried and tested way of increasing your plant stock, it’s much more effective than planting sad little dried out bulbs from a plastic bag. All you need to do is dig up a clump, split it into smaller clumps of 3-5 plants, and replant wherever you see a gap. Simple, and free too 🙂
Cyclamens are another winter favourite of mine, like these red and pink ones nestling in our woodland area, next to some emerging yellow crocuses. They’re very easy little plants that need absolutely zero maintenance.
Other outdoor winter plants that look good and smell lovely too are these perennial heralds of Spring, the cheerful little yellow tete-a-tetes. I have hundreds of them all over the garden, in pots, beds, and stuffed into any bare patch of ground that looks a bit sad. If you’re stuck for what to plant in February, you won’t go wrong with these.
Cheap to buy and easy to grow* tete-a-tetes are members of the hardy narcissi family. Yes, they may be dwarf plants, but at this time of year they’re also really good winter plants for pots.
Despite all the recent inclement weather, one of our best winter flowering shrubs is simply glowing by the orchard wall. Chaenomeles, or Japanese quince, not only looks good but yields a small harvest of edible quinces in Autumn too. Last year I made some apple sauce with added quinces and it was delicious.
Other good winter plants are the colourful pink-leaved Hebe and something that most gardens are likely to have, an ivy. Ivy provides shelter for all manner of insects and is a great food source for some birds too. If you have some, by all means keep it under control, but please don’t hack it all away.
Lastly, if you’re wondering what are the best flowers to plant in February, I’d suggest some primroses or primulas. Garden centres have lots of them for sale right now, in all colours, shapes and sizes. We have masses growing wild in our orchard, especially underneath the apple tree – I think they must like the acid in the soil from all the fallen fruit.
What to do in the vegetable garden in February
If you’re a home grown potato fan* now is the time to start chitting your tubers. I’m not sure where this term comes from, but it simply means leaving them out in a cool, bright position until they begin sprouting. Then you can plant them out in March for a later summer harvest.
I’ve prepared two of our vegetable beds, ready for growing our future crops. And I’m warming the soil with a cover (or you can use cloches) on the right hand bed as well. Some of the best seeds to sow in February are broad beans. My favourites are Sutton broad beads* which are super tender and even sweet enough to eat raw. Other vegetables to plant in February include carrots, parsnips, and early peas. Well, I say plant, but I really mean sow seeds.
February garden chores
There are actually quite a few things to do in the garden in February. Last month I sorted out the inside of the greenhouse, ready for taking future potting trays of seeds. And my husband was supposed to clean away the green guck from both the inside and outside our greenhouse. He didn’t, so that’s a carry forward on our February garden to do list. As is hosing down the patio to clear away all the slippery death trap algae.
And although I didn’t get around to sorting out my seeds, that hasn’t stopped me buying new ones <grin>. But I do need to do this now though, so I’m clear on what plants to start in February (think tomatoes, cucumbers and possibly sweet peas).
If you have any buddleias (aka butterfly bush) now is the time to cut them down to about about a metre off the ground. Buddleia is a rampant grower. We have two plants in our garden, a white one that riots all over our orchard wall and a purple one that has grown through its pot into the gravel on the drive. And believe me, we’ll be using an electric saw on both… After which I’ll be pruning all of our roses, to get them ready for Spring. You want to prune just above a new bud, making a diagonal cut with sharp secateurs, and this will encourage a great flush of healthy flowers in due course.
Wildlife gardening jobs for February
Gardening in February wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the wildlife. We’ve had a hard February this year so it’s important to keep feeding the birds with quality bird seed* every day, and if you can, treat them to some high energy fat balls* too.
Our frogs have woken up from their winter sleep and Loki is utterly fascinated by them. I have to admit, it’s lovely to hear them croaking when I’m in the garden, a sure sign Spring is on her way.
On our list for Spring is to get a pond pump for our largest pond – while the goldfish don’t seem to mind all the green algae, I do think they’d be happier with more plants and clearer water. And you may have spotted a few pots around the edges. Those are our tulip pots that I planted up at the end of last year and are now beginning to sprout. We should have a few months of glorious colour and nectar for the bees, and then I’ll simply hide the pots away again as they die back.
Gardening in February – a summary
When I started writing this February garden update, I took inspiration from my previous garden diary posts. And I also looked on Google where people were asking questions such as:
- What should I do this month in the garden?
- What can I plant in my garden in February?
- What should I do in my garden in February?
Well, I hope I’ve been able to answer those questions, at least in part, even though my knowledge only relates to what I’ve done in our garden and orchard. Have you enjoyed your virtual visit to our garden this month, and perhaps taken some inspiration for your own green space too? Are you surprised by how much colour and life there is in a February garden, despite the bad weather? Well, if you are, I hope you’ll join me again next month, to see how things are really revving up for Spring 🙂
How are you preparing your growing space this month, whether that’s indoors or outside? Are there any particular February garden questions you’d like more detail on? What’s your favourite thing about gardening in February?
* This post features affiliate links but all opinions are my own (see my Disclaimer).
I am always so impressed with your garden. I love how with every season you have different flowers and plants growing.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind!
Your garden looks so good! The plants are all so pretty, and I’m sure hearing the frogs chirping would make for a lovely mood. I wish I had a garden so I could put these tips to use.
Sumedha
Thank you – we are very lucky with our garden, it’s my happy place 🙂 But you can still grow things indoors too, here are a few examples:
https://www.lisasnotebook.com/11-easy-and-delicious-edible-plants-to-grow-indoors
https://www.lisasnotebook.com/growing-a-tea-garden-indoors
https://www.lisasnotebook.com/growing-up-vertical-planting-ideas-for-a-small-balcony-garden
I will share your snowdrop replanting tips with my parents. Sounds much smarter to me.
Ha, thank you, I hope they think so too!
I love reading your garden updates, Lisa! Truly love what you do with your garden and really hope to have one whenever I’ll get a house. Can’t wait to see all the flowers and trees blooming in a bit! Thank you for sharing x
Oh Cristina, thank you so much, I’m so thrilled to read that! I hope you get your own garden as soon as possible, I’m sure you’ll grow all kinds of delicious foods for your recipes! x
Spring is coming soon! There are some many beautiful flowers in your garden. I always enjoy your virtual garden tour. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Fadima – and yes, hooray for Spring 🙂
We need to sort ours out a bit – it’s the first year we’ve had one so I’m excited xx
A blank canvas to play with – super exciting! xx
Aww, your garden is gorgeous. I love seeing these monthly posts. Again, lost of flowers in bloom, that’s really nice to see. Love the cats too, they are so cute!
Thank you, Anca! We are very lucky – and yes, with 3 cats I’m never not going to get photo-bombed, haha!
Your garden is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much, that’s so kind 🙂
Your garden is thriving! Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to see all the work you’re doing now pay off! I have no patience for gardening but I wish I did because gardens are so pretty when maintained properly!
Thank you so much – but you’re right, gardens are a lot of work!
Your garden is so gorgeous! I can’t wait to get out in mine. We’ve replanted some lilies and some other hardy bits just in case there is another frost. We’re not growing anything good wise though, our neighbour has an allotment and keeps us in fresh fruit and veg all summer!
Rosie
Wow, lucky you to have a neighbour with an allotment, they’re like hens’ teeth! But thank you, we are very lucky 🙂
Love these posts, Lisa! Thank you once again for sharing your beautiful garden. My Mum has started buying flowers and things to plant for the Spring. Now with my office as well, I want to dedicate a bit more time outside to growing my own flowers in pots outside my office doors!
Ah, thank you, Jenny! I am beyond excited to see how you plant up your office’s outside and insides spaces – a blank canvas to have fun with! x
I love your gardening post, I would love to have a garden.
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
Thank you – I hope you can have a garden sometime soon.
Your garden look so neat, even the frogs are there. Not much gardening
in Croatia but first spring flowers are coming. Thanks for the tips..
Thank you, we are very lucky – and hooray for Spring!
I am envious of your thawing ground and coming springtime in the buds and flowers! We still have snow on the ground here in Virginia, but we have started up our basement plant light and started watering and warming our dirt to start seedlings in. The move into the garden will be a while longer for us yet!
Thanks so much for sharing some happy photos; the Japanese quince caught my eye at once with its vibrant colors. 🙂
Ah, we’re fortunate in the South West of England – when we have snow it doesn’t last that long 🙂 Thank you, Jaya, it sounds like you’ll be super organised come Spring!
I love reading your gardening posts, Lisa! They always make me feel so relaxed 🙂 x
That is the loveliest thing to read, thank you! x
Your garden always looks lovely Lisa and I love the flowers that are currently growing in your garden! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you, Lucy, that’s very kind of you 🙂 x
I love love love reading your garden posts. Your garden always looks so pretty. Gardening is a whole lot, it takes a lot of effort and energy haha but your garden always looks flawless. I love it and I love the fact that you show us what’s going on in the garden every month! Who knows I might just start a garden. x!
Thank you so much, Ruth – and yes, I hope you start your own garden too, I’m sure you won’t regret it! x
Your garden is lovely! We definitely want to spend more time in our garden this year & this post has been so helpful!
Oh thank you, and that’s so good to hear, I hope you do 🙂
These images are gorgeous! I think one of my favourite things about the coming spring is the burst of colour- and I love when that happens in late February 🙂 thank you for sharing x
Thank you, Eleanor – and yes, I agree completely, it’s such a mood boost! x
I always look forward to your monthly gardening posts and it’s lovely to see the changes in your garden this month. There is nothing like new growth to signal that Spring is imminent. This year I think I need it more than any other year – I feel like i too have been hibernating while waiting for my turn for vaccine (late summer here in Canada). Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jodie, that’s lovely to hear 🙂 I know what you mean, this Winter has been a hard one, I am living for the warmer, lighter days as they come, even in February!
Your garden looks so amazing! You have an innate gift! I’ve always had a passion for flowers and plants. There was a time when I was younger in which I decided to catalogate each plant or flower in a notebook. It makes me feel so joyful and relaxed! But unfortunately I’ve never had a garden, but it’s a big desire of mine. Love your cats 🙂
xx Dasynka
Oh thank you, that’s very kind of you! Your notebook sounds wonderful, do you still have it? And even though you might not have a garden yet, there’s still lots you can grow indoors – hope you get one some day though 🙂
It’s always fun to read your garden diary updates, Lisa. Also, learning about plants and flowers, and how could help insects. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, Jack, I’m so glad you enjoy them!
Your garden always gives me the inspiration to expand on what I’m growing in the coming season, especially when it comes to flowers. It’s also so strange for me to see so much grass and plant life this time of year, we are still deep in winter so this is something I won’t see here until May. What greenhouse did you get? I’m considering adding one to my backyard to help extend the growing season a but and yours looks pretty sturdy. Would you recommend it?
That is just wonderful to hear, Sarah, thank you so much. Our greenhouse is 6 years old now but it was a good buy – it’s a Halls Supreme 8ft x 6ft Wide Greenhouse. We’ve had to replace a couple of the glass panes over the years but otherwise it’s still going strong. If I were buying again, I’d buy a larger one though, because I’m always wanting more space!
Your garden is lovely! I didn’t know there was so much that could be done in the garden in February. I usually don’t see much color yet, but soon our buds will be popping through the soil. Sometimes I start seeds indoors right about now so I can move them outside later. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Thank you! Yes, February is definitely preparation month – and good to hear you’re starting seeds already, I need to get going on ours too 🙂
This is great advice. I really want to make more of the garden this year.I’d love to grow some vegetables this year.
We have just taken down a huge tree in our garden… but that’s it. It is currently on the lawn making the garden unusable! Typical man…. Half a job Bob!
I love that your cat’s want to get involved, they look identical to my Morphy!
Thank you, Claire, that’s very kind. And I hope you can grow some veg once the tree is moved – if you have space, why not keep a few sections to use as seating for the kids? And you could even turn some smaller sections into stumpery for wildlife too 🙂
I am such a lousy garderer but I love reading your garden posts. We have two pots of those mini narcisses wintering on the shed windowsill. Every spring they come back to life and this year is no exception. I will soon move them out in the garden again.
I’m sure that’s not true – I remember you telling me about growing sprouting seeds last year! But yes, narcissi are super reliable, I’m very happy about that 🙂
Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
Wow! I’m always dreaming of a garden like this. This is so amazing. I wish I could start my own garden soon! Thanks for sharing this 🥰
Thank you – we are very lucky to have our green space!
I’m not really into gardening but I love reading your gardening posts and see the progress you’ve made! It’s such a happy post xx
Aw, thank you, Della, I’m so glad that comes across! x
I want my own garden whenever i read your garden blogs!! Im so happy that some flowers are starting to bloom now!
Ah, that’s so lovely to read, thank you! I hope you get one some day soon 🙂
Snowdrops are my favourite! My grandfather has them in his garden, and they were always the sign that Spring is here!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Ah, that’s lovely – and yes, they are!
The photos with your cat are so cute! I noticed snowdrops growing the other day on the way to my daughter’s kindergarten which in Denmark means spring is coming!
Our cats are inveterate photo-bombers, but also good company so I can’t complain 🙂
Thanks for sharing, what has been going on in your garden last month, I like when the snowdrops come out sure sign spring is on the way 🙂
Yes indeed, they really are 🙂