Blue Daisy Blog

A few jobs that can be done this month:

• Prune heathers by removing dead flower heads being careful not to cut into old wood
• Keep on top of and remove germinating weeds
• Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials to encourage invigorated growth and increase your garden stock
• Gently scarify your lawn if not done in the autumn
• Mow lawns on a high setting for the first few cuts
• Lay turf or seeds from the end of this month and into April

This month we should start to notice the sun warming up, the grass starting to grow and of course the early spring bulbs will be gracing us with their presence brightening up our borders and generally making us smile! The weather though this month can be changeable so don’t be tempted to remove any protective fleeces on your planted out tender plants. And for any you've stored under cover over winter, we can still have some sharp frosts so you may need to keep them safe until the threat of frosts has passed.

With the sun’s warmth getting stronger though the germination of weeds will begin in earnest now so it is really important to hoe them out. Any perennial weeds will need to be dug out now before they really start to take hold. Applying mulch to the soil this time of year is good because it will keep all the moisture in and cut down on the amount of weeds germinating.

• Put cloches over the ground that you’ll be using for vegetables so the soil can really warm up and be ready for the seeds/seedlings.  If you don't have cloches use clear polythene and ensure it is weighted down at the edges.
• Check garden structures e.g. pergolas, arches, fences and trellis and make any repairs as needed
• Keep ponds free of ice
• Keep bird feeders and water dispensers topped up
• Plan a herb garden/area

February is usually a cold month and can often be colder than January, but it looks to be another year of changeable weather for us - very wet and unseasonably mild.  

This month we really start to notice the days getting that little bit longer and there are often a few sunny days to look forward to too!  The warmer days can tempt us outside but don’t be fooled there's still a likelihood of cold winds, heavy frosts and maybe even a sprinkling of snow so remember, early sowing of seeds and planting out may lead to disappointment! 

On those days warm enough to get outside and enjoy you’ll be able to see signs of life beginning to stir in and around your garden!  Snowdrops and crocuses are already up and flowering in many areas and even the daffodils have made an appearance making everywhere look so much brighter and cheerier! We're already seeing them peeping through in many of our client's gardens here in Kenilworth and Warwickshire.

Apart from a couple of frosty mornings this year has (so far) begun unseasonably mild again - albeit very wet - which means we have the opportunity to get out into our gardens early paving the way for spring.  It also means that some plants will be flowering a bit too early so keep your eyes on those tender plants especially as the chances of a cold snap will still exist for the next few months.

See below for a list of jobs that can be done this month.

• If you plan on sowing seeds early this year – buy the seeds as soon as you can to avoid delivery delays
• Check the weather forecasts to make sure you protect any tender plants from frost and wind
• Regularly check any trees you have staked, the wind can often loosen them
• If you have snow remember to knock it off your hedges and conifers – it can get really heavy and make them bend
• Remove any weeds that show themselves this month
• Wipe all the blades on your cutting tools and remember to give them a rub down once a year with wire wool to remove the rust
• Don’t forget the birds – they rely on you for their food and ice-free water!
• Buy some plant pot cleaner and make sure all your pots are clean and ready for this year's use
• If you plan on sowing seeds outdoors think about covering the soil with cloches (or similar) to get the soil warm and ready for seeds
• Install waterbutts and compost bins
• Check any bulbs or tubers that you are storing for signs of rotting
• Keep borders clear of debris or falling leaves
• Keep your eyes open for any last leaves that fall, sweep them up and keep for leaf mould
• Plant bare root roses
• Clean both the inside and outside of greenhouses and cold frames to get ready for seeds.