Winter is drawing to a close, and gardeners are urged to tackle four key tasks this February to prepare for spring, according to gardening expert Monty Don. In a blog post, Don described February as a month when "the garden really starts to come alive," despite potentially severe weather and short days.
Pruning is a priority, particularly for roses, clematis, and buddleias. Don advised cutting back to just above a bud, leaf, or stem joint, using sharp tools to make clean cuts. This helps plants conserve energy by removing dead wood and encourages stronger growth in spring.
Seeds can be sown indoors now, including tomatoes, chillies, rocket, and broad beans. For potatoes, Don recommends chitting—placing seed potatoes in a bright, frost-free spot to sprout before planting later. He cautioned against storing them in the dark, as that produces weak, transparent sprouts.
Mulching with compost or organic matter around plants suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and enriches the soil as it breaks down. Don emphasised that this simple task benefits plants with minimal effort.
Finally, feeding birds is crucial in late winter, as natural food sources dwindle. Don noted that with breeding season approaching, providing food supports their survival during the harshest period of the year.
