In The Greenhouse This February

Check the Greenhouse Structure 

• Inspect for Damage: Check the greenhouse for any damage caused by winter winds or snow. Look for cracked glass or plastic panels, and repair or replace them as necessary. Ensure that vents and doors open and close smoothly and seal tightly. 
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in a greenhouse to prevent mold and fungal growth. Ensure that vents are clear and functioning well. If your greenhouse doesn’t have automatic venting, you may need to open them manually on milder days to allow fresh air in. 

Clean and Sterilize the Greenhouse 

• Give the Greenhouse a Good Clean: It’s a great time to clean all the surfaces in your greenhouse, including glass, frames, shelves, and floors. Use a mild disinfectant or soapy water to remove any mold, dirt, or algae that might have built up over the winter. 
• Sterilize Tools and Pots: Clean and sterilize any pots, trays, and tools you plan to use. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases like mold and fungi. 

Start Early Seeds Indoors 

• Start Sowing Seeds: February is a great time to start sowing seeds indoors in the greenhouse, particularly for early crops like tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines. You can also sow early flowers such as petunias, lobelias, or sweet peas. 
• Herbs and Salad Crops: If you have a heated propagator or a warm spot, you can start herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander. Early sowings of salad leaves, spinach, or radishes can also be started indoors for early harvests. 

Use Heating to Extend the Growing Season 

• Check Heaters: If you use a greenhouse heater, make sure it’s working properly, especially during the colder nights. If necessary, install a thermometer and set up a night frost protection system (e.g., electric heating or paraffin heaters) to ensure that your plants stay warm enough for healthy growth. 
• Frost Protection: Keep an eye on the weather and take extra precautions to prevent frost damage. Use fleece or horticultural fabric to cover tender plants or seedlings if there’s a risk of frost. 

Increase Light Levels 

• Supplement Natural Light: Days are still short in February, so if you notice your plants are stretching or getting leggy, consider adding grow lights to supplement the natural light. This is especially useful for seedlings and young plants in the greenhouse. 
• Reflect More Light: You can also use reflective materials, like aluminum foil or white paint, on the walls of the greenhouse to increase the amount of light reaching the plants. 

Monitor Humidity and Watering 

• Humidity Control: Greenhouses can get quite humid, especially in winter. To avoid fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation, and consider installing a small fan to help with airflow. If humidity levels are too high, you can open the vents or use a dehumidifier. 
• Watering: Be careful not to overwater plants, as the cold temperatures can cause water to sit stagnant, leading to root rot. Water sparingly and let the soil dry out a little between waterings. 

Plant Winter Hardy Crops 

• Plant Winter Vegetables: In February, you can plant some hardy vegetables in your greenhouse, like onions, shallots, or early potatoes. These crops will be protected from frost and benefit from the slightly warmer greenhouse environment. 
• Perennial Herbs: You can also plant perennial herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano in the greenhouse if you plan to grow them in containers. 

Pot Up Plants 

• Potting Up: If you started any seeds earlier in the winter or have plants that have outgrown their pots, it’s time to pot them up into larger containers. This will give the plants more room to grow and help them develop stronger root systems for transplanting later in the spring. 

Germinate Seeds in a Propagator 

• Use a Heated Propagator: If you’re starting seeds that need warmth to germinate (like tomatoes or peppers), a heated propagator can provide the ideal environment. Keep the propagator on a warm surface and ensure it has good light levels. 

By using February to prepare your greenhouse and start early seeds, you’ll be ahead of the game when the spring growing season fully kicks off. Whether it’s for flowers, vegetables, or herbs, the greenhouse offers the perfect environment to nurture plants and ensure a bountiful season ahead! 🌿