Blue Daisy Blog

• 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 definitely a cold month and can often be colder than January, I wonder if that is possible after the arctic conditions we've already had this year!  It is now 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 will still be 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 will be flowering and towards the middle to end of the month (depending on where you are in the country) early daffodils could even be making an appearance making everywhere look so much brighter and cheerier!

After a wet 2012 we are left wondering what this year will bring. It has begun unseasonably mild which means we have the opportunity to get out in our gardens paving the way for spring.

However, remember to 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.

Whoever said January was a boring month for gardening? Just take a look out of your windows at all the colour, ok it’s not from flowers blooming but look at the evergreens, the bare branches and the different colour barks all covered in frost.

If you’re very lucky (or unlucky depending on your view!) snow will add more interest and if you don’t have a snowfall this month you’ll be guaranteed a frost or two! We've had a very mild winter so far so chances are you will catch sight of a few Spring bulbs popping up to take advantage of the days getting a fraction lighter.

With Christmas upon us the general pace of work is much more relaxed as there is little urgency for jobs to be completed now. Many people think that there is nothing to do in December but you’d be surprised! It’s a great time for pruning woody ornamental plants, fruit trees and bushes because they are in their dormant period. Now that the leaves have virtually finished dropping you can really see what you’re doing and can check to see if there is any dead or diseased wood to prune out. Don’t prune your Cornus (Dogwoods) though because their stem colour gives us some striking winter interest for our gardens.

Keep clearing any fallen leaves and save for leaf mould. Even though there are fewer garden pests and diseases around at this time of year keeping one step ahead of your garden hygiene – even in December – will reduce pest and disease problems in the spring and summer. If you find anything diseased you should really burn it rather than putting it in the compost heap. Remember too to leave a few areas undisturbed for overwintering beneficial insects like ladybirds.