February sits on the edge of winter and spring. Snowdrops, crocuses and early daffodils begin to lift our spirits, even though cold nights and frosts still linger. On mild days, take time to tidy borders, cutting back old stems before new growth emerges. In late February cut back ornamental grasses and other perennials left for winter interest.
Prune back shrubs hard such as Cornus and Salix grown for winter coloured stems. Top dress beds and borders with a balanced fertiliser. Cut back late flowering (group 3) Clematis such as Clematis viticella, C. orientalis and C. “Jackmannii” to a low pair of strong buds.
Prune late summer flowering shrubs such as buddleia, lavatera and fuchsia hard. Once winter flowering heathers have finished flowering, trim back with shears. Apple and pear trees can be pruned now, and roses towards the end of the month if weather allows. Try to avoid working the soil when it is wet or frozen.
Seeds can be started under cover on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, bringing the first hint of the growing season indoors. This is also the moment to chit seed potatoes in readiness for planting in early spring.
Clean out existing bird boxes or put up new boxes and as natural food remains scarce, continue feeding birds and providing fresh water, helping wildlife through the last weeks of winter.
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