February Gardening Tips

Now the days are noticeably longer and in my garden, I can see bulbs and autumn-sown broad beans putting on a growth spurt in response to the day-length change.  Shrubs and climbers are starting to grow new shoots, so now is the time to….

• Thin out bamboo clumps by removing thin and overcrowded canes – they will be ready to act as supports for beans later. Remove low side branches to expose the decorative stems.  Limit spreading by digging to expose the rhizomes and sever with loppers below ground (not so easy in Crondall clay!)
• Cut back Campsis and Wisteria last year’s growth to two or three buds and remove tangled old wood to a side branch or to ground level.
• Prune late-flowering clematis to the lowest pair of strong buds about 30cm (1ft) from the ground.
  

  Euphorbias can provide brilliant colour and texture from February onwards

• Prune back last year’s growth of Buddleja to a low framework of old wood.
• Trim winter-flowering heathers as the flowers fade.

In the kitchen garden

• Cut autumn-fruiting raspberries to the ground and tie in early-fruiters’ canes.
• Fertilise tree, bush and cane fruit. Use a high potash formula. I use weathered ash from my wood fire and compost for the raspberries.
• Put seed potatoes to ‘chit’ in trays or eggboxes, eye-end up, somewhere cool and light. In this area earlies can be planted out in early April and main crop two weeks later.
• Sow broad beans, tomatoes, leeks, peas and salad under cover; plant shallots and garlic in the ground outside.

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