Garden Hints for February

February Garden Hints.

Vegetables

There is not a lot for you to do in the vegetable plot during February but if you have

still got any digging to do and the weather is suitable then you should get it completed, trenches for runner beans can be prepared but be aware not to bury any frozen soil. Seed potatoes can be

put in trays for chitting. If you have a greenhouse, early sowings of lettuce and such can be done but only if you have facilities to grow them on ready for planting outside later.

Flowers

Wisterias can be given their winter prune whilst all the foliage is off, any new growth should be cut back to about 2 buds unless you want to extend the area covered in which case I would leave no more than about 3ft ( I metre) so as to keep a good covering of flower buds. Depending on the weather and where your garden is rose pruning can be done but you do not want to prune too early and force young growth that can be damaged by later frost.

Root cuttings of phlox, poppies and other such plants can be taken now.

If you have bought any shrub like plants and they arrive while the ground is frozen you should not plant them but do dig a hole to get the roots under the soil. Do not put them in a garage or shed where the roots will dry out.

Lawns

Apart from clearing any late leaves from the lawns, it is best to keep off the grass as much as possible during frosty weather.