Other Jobs Around The Garden This February

Check and Repair Garden Tools 

• Clean Tools: Clean your garden tools thoroughly to remove any dirt, sap, or rust. Wipe them down with an oily rag to protect them from rust. 
• Sharpen Tools: Sharpen tools like shears, spades, and hoes to ensure they’re ready for the busy spring season. 
• Maintain Lawn Equipment: Service your lawnmower and other machinery, checking that blades are sharp, and oiling moving parts to keep them in good working order. 

Keep an Eye on Wildlife 

• Feed the Birds: Keep bird feeders topped up with seed, suet, or fat balls. Birds are especially active in winter and can help control pests in your garden. 
• Provide Shelter: Make sure wildlife habitats such as hedgehog homes, birdhouses, or insect hotels are intact and in good condition. 
• Pond Care: If you have a pond, clear any debris or leaves from the surface. Check the water levels and add oxygenating plants if necessary. If the pond is frozen, create a hole in the ice to allow wildlife access to the water. 

Protect Garden Furniture 

• Clean Garden Furniture: If the weather is mild, clean your outdoor furniture with a brush or cloth. Remove any dirt or debris, and cover it with protective covers to prevent weather damage. 
• Check for Damage: Look for any damage to garden furniture, especially wooden or metal items, and make repairs before the spring season. 

Protect Vulnerable Plants 

• Cover Tender Plants: If you have tender plants like geraniums, fuchsias, or bamboos, cover them with fleece or cloches to protect them from frost. 
• Check Winter Protection: Ensure that any plants you’ve already protected for winter (such as roses, shrubs, or young trees) are still adequately covered to protect them from harsh cold or frost. 

Maintain Garden Structures 

• Check Fencing and Gates: Inspect fences, gates, and trellises for any damage caused by winter storms or snow. Repair or replace any broken sections so they’re secure and ready for the new growing season. 
• Prepare Raised Beds and Containers: Check raised beds for any winter damage. If needed, top up the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to ensure that the beds are ready for planting in spring. 
• Clean and Prepare Greenhouses/Sheds: Clean the windows and shelves in your greenhouse, and ensure that it’s in good condition for the growing season. Organise your shed, sharpen tools, and make sure equipment is in working order. 

Tidy Up the Garden 

• Clear Debris: Clear fallen leaves, twigs, and dead plant material from flower beds, paths, and lawns. This prevents fungal growth and ensures the garden looks tidy. It also allows sunlight to reach new shoots emerging in spring. 
• Cut Back Dead Growth: Trim back any dead or damaged stems from perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Doing this now helps to tidy the garden and allows space for fresh growth. 
• Remove Weeds: Even in winter, weeds can be growing. Pull or dig up any weeds that you find, particularly in beds, borders, or vegetable patches, before they take hold in spring. 

Plan for Spring 

• Garden Design: Take this time to plan any new plantings, borders, or features for your garden. Consider sustainable gardening methods, like rainwater harvesting or creating wildlife-friendly zones.
• Buy Plants and Seeds: Buy any plants, seeds, or garden supplies you’ll need for the upcoming season. Look for new varieties or plants you’d like to introduce into your garden. 

February may be a bit quieter in terms of gardening activity, but with a little preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure that your outdoor space is ready to thrive when the weather warms up. It’s all about laying the groundwork for a vibrant, productive, and beautiful garden in the months ahead. 🌱