February marks the quiet awakening of the garden, as days lengthen and the promise of spring becomes more tangible. Though winter’s chill lingers, there’s plenty to do in the garden to prepare for the busy growing season ahead. Here’s our guide to key activities to focus on this month.
1. Seed Sowing
If you don’t have a greenhouse, it’s still a little early to start sowing most seeds, as frosty weather will continue over the coming weeks. However, you can start celeriac now—since it takes a long time to grow to a good size, sowing early gives it the best chance for a good harvest. Most other plants grow quickly and would become too large before the last frost, which typically occurs around April.
If you do have a greenhouse, now is the perfect time to sow stocks (flowers), aubergines, peppers, and chillies.
Watering Tip: Avoid overwatering—keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.
2. Care for Perennials
February is a good time to divide and replant perennial herbs such as chives and mint in order to rejuvenate them and make space for fresh growth.
3. Pruning
Now is the ideal time to prune apple and pear trees to encourage healthy growth. For gooseberry bushes, clip back the tips to strengthen the plant and improve future yields. It’s also time to prune roses, but avoid doing so during extreme cold to prevent damage.
4. Hedge Cutting
If you have hedges that need trimming, do so now before birds begin nesting in early spring.
5. Planting
Now is the perfect time to plant trees and hardy perennials before the growing season begins.
Biodynamic Tip for February
Horn silica can be applied in January and February to help balance light energy in your garden. This is especially useful when slugs and snails are abundant, as it supports plant resilience and vitality.