Our expert Adam Kirtland shows his garden some love for Valentine’s month with five simple tasks we can all do in readiness for a new Spring
February is a curious month in the garden. Still winter, technically, yet full of little hints that spring is loitering just out of sight, tapping its watch and waiting for its cue. The days stretch a fraction longer, snowdrops put on their best performance and gardeners begin drifting outside more often, pretending they’re “just having a look” while secretly planning everything.
It’s also the month of Valentine’s Day, which feels rather fitting, because February gardening is all about small acts of care, gentle attention and not expecting too much too soon. Here are five satisfying February jobs to keep your garden feeling loved as the seasons slowly turn.
Tidy Gently, Not Aggressively
This is not the moment for a dramatic clear-out or any form of horticultural rage. On dry days, lightly tidy borders, remove obvious weeds and clear away winter debris while leaving some seed heads and leaf litter for wildlife. Think of it as a respectful spruce rather than a full makeover. The garden is waking up, not ready for a surprise boot camp.
Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants
February is an excellent time to show your soil some affection. Add well-rotted compost or manure to beds, mulch around shrubs and generally remind the ground that it is appreciated. Healthy soil is the foundation of everything that follows, and a little care now will save you plenty of effort later. Consider it the gardening equivalent of making someone a cup of tea without being asked.
Prune With Confidence and a Sense of Humour
Roses, fruit trees and deciduous shrubs can all be pruned this month, as long as the weather behaves itself. Remove dead or crossing branches and aim for an open, balanced shape. If you find yourself hesitating, secateurs hovering mid-air, remember that plants are remarkably forgiving. Gardening, much like romance, often rewards a confident approach rather than endless overthinking.
Start Seeds and Dream a Little
February is when seed sowing begins in earnest, albeit under cover. Tomatoes, chillies, sweet peas and early salad crops are all keen to get going on a sunny windowsill or in a propagator. There is something wonderfully hopeful about sowing seeds while it’s still cold outside, a reminder that optimism is an essential gardening tool, right up there with gloves and patience.
Show Wildlife Some Extra Love
Food is still in short supply for birds and other garden visitors, so keep feeders topped up and water fresh. Leave undisturbed corners and resist the urge to be too tidy, because those messy patches are doing important work. A garden that welcomes wildlife feels alive and generous and provides far more entertainment than anything on television.
February may not be showy, but it’s quietly charming. By tending your garden with kindness, humour and the occasional stolen moment of daydreaming, you set the tone for the months ahead. After all, the best gardens are built on attention, trust and turning up regularly, even when it’s cold, damp and your wellies are still slightly muddy from January!