Garden Diary

February Garden Diary

February often brings a mix of frosts, rain and occasional mild spells, but the promise of spring is beginning to show. Gardens should start to offer hints of colour, scent and movement, and this is a good month to prepare soil and plan ahead. Small tasks now can set the scene for a productive and enjoyable growing season.

Sowing seeds, tidying borders and observing how your garden responds to winter conditions can be surprisingly uplifting. Early signs of growth provide reassurance that the gardening year is quietly getting underway.

Beds & Borders

Spring bulbs such as crocus, winter aconite and snowdrops should now be emerging, particularly in sheltered parts of the garden. Cyclamen also come into their own at this time of year, their pink blooms bringing warmth and colour to protected areas. They favour rich, well-drained soil and will often self-seed when conditions suit them.

February is also a good time to think ahead. Many gardeners are now choosing to grow plants from seedlings or plug plants indoors rather than buying mature plants later in the season. Growing young plants on in a bright, frost-free space is more economical and gives better control over plant quality and timing.

Lawns

Grass will continue to grow when temperatures are consistently above 5°C, so during mild, dry spells a light cut may be required to keep lawns tidy. Cutting height should remain higher than in summer — typically around 3–4cm to avoid stressing the turf. Sharp mower blades are essential at this time of year.

Lawn edges are often overlooked in winter but benefit from attention. A neat edge improves appearance and prevents grass from creeping into surrounding borders.

Avoid walking on lawns when they are frozen or frosted. Crushing frozen grass blades damages the plant tissue and can leave brown footprints that remain visible for weeks.

If moss is noticeable, it is usually a sign of underlying issues such as shade, compaction or poor drainage rather than a problem on its own. February is a useful month to observe where these conditions occur so they can be addressed later in the season.

Grow Your Own

Some vegetables, such as parsnips, are slow to germinate and are often recommended for early sowing. This should only be attempted if soil can be protected with cloches and prepared in advance. Improving soil structure now will help create better seed beds when sowing begins in earnest.

Seed potatoes should be purchased early before popular varieties sell out. Place them in a single layer in a cool, frost-free, well-lit space to allow sturdy shoots to develop before planting.

Patio Containers & Baskets

Winter pansies will benefit from regular dead-heading to encourage continued flowering. During mild spells, an occasional liquid feed will help maintain healthy growth.

Hard surfaces such as patios and paths can become slippery over winter as algae and grime build up. Regular brushing helps maintain appearance and reduces slip hazards — an often overlooked aspect of winter garden care.

Garden Diary by John Draper
John Draper is the founder of Nottingham-based lawn care specialist Greener Gardens, with over 20 years’ experience helping homeowners care for lawns and outdoor spaces. He is a former Chairman of the UK Lawn Care Association.