February
In The Fruit Garden This February
Prune raspberry canes, this is the last chance to cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes to the ground to stimulate new canes to fruit in the autumn.
Cut the tips of summer-fruiting raspberry canes that have grown beyond the top of their support, cut just above the bud.
Mulch fruit trees with well-rotted manure or garden compost, taking acre not to mound mulch up around the trunk.
Protect blossoms on apricots, nectarines and peaches from frost.
Force rhubarb plants for an early crop.
Prune blackcurrant bushes, gooseberries and redcurrants to maintain a productive framework.
Cove outdoor strawberries with cloches to encourage an earlier crop.
Top dress fruit bushes with slow-release, potassium-rich fertiliser to feed plants for the forthcoming season.
Top Tip:
Prune apple and pear trees while they’re still dormant, this is your last chance to do so. Leave plum, cherry and apricot trees until the summer as pruning these now will make them susceptible to silver leaf disease.
This Month's Key Tips
- Start to 'chit' seed potatoes in a cool, light and frost free place.
- Plant out primroses, forget-me-nots and wallflowers for early colour.
- Keep bird feeders topped up.
- Prepare vegetable seed beds and sow some vegetables under cover.
- Prune winter flowering shrubs it they have finished flowering.
