February still feels like winter, but there’s a subtle change in the light and the garden. Days stretch a little longer, bulbs start to push through, and you can feel the season beginning to turn. It’s a month of gentle preparation — small steps that set you up beautifully for the rush of spring.

Jobs for the Garden

  • Clear away dead leaves and tidy borders on dry days.
  • Cut back perennials that were left for winter interest.
  • Refresh beds with compost if the soil isn’t frozen.
  • Plant bare-root fruit trees, roses, and shrubs while they’re still dormant.
  • Check tools, pots, and seed trays — a quick clean now saves headaches later.

These small tasks make the garden feel alive again.

Seeds to sow this month

Vegetables

  • Broad beans — Indoors or directly outside in mild areas.
  • Peas — Start in modules for strong early plants.
  • Chillies & aubergines — Need warmth and patience.
  • Early brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower) — Indoors with good light.
  • Salad leaves — Quick wins on a windowsill.

Flowers

  • Hardy annuals (cornflowers, calendula, larkspur) — Indoors or in a cold frame.
  • Sweet peas — Continue sowing for staggered flowering.
  • Biennials (foxgloves, wallflowers) — Early sowings give strong plants.

Herbs

  • Chives — Easy and reliable.
  • Parsley — Slow to germinate, so starting now helps.
  • Coriander — Indoors for early leafy harvests.
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Seedlings & Young Plants

If you’ve started sowing:

  • Give seedlings as much light as possible to prevent legginess.
  • Keep compost just moist — overwatering is the biggest February mistake.
  • Turn trays regularly so seedlings grow straight.
  • Don’t rush to pot on — slow, steady growth is healthier in winter light.

Indoors, Greenhouse & Windowsill Growing

  • A bright windowsill is perfect for early sowings.
  • Use a simple grow light if seedlings are stretching.
  • Ventilate greenhouses on mild days to prevent mould.
  • Protect tender plants with fleece during cold snaps.

This is a month for gentle, careful growing — nothing needs to be rushed.

a basket of mixed vegetables, freshly harvested

Harvesting in February

Depending on what you grew last year, you may still be picking:

  • Leeks
  • Kale
  • Winter salads
  • Parsnips
  • Sprouting broccoli (early varieties)

Harvest lightly to keep plants productive.

Wildlife & Garden Care

February can be tough for wildlife:

  • Keep bird feeders topped up.
  • Put out fresh water daily.
  • Leave some seedheads and leaf piles for shelter.
  • Build or place a bug hotel — children love helping with this.

These small acts make a big difference in late winter.

Nic's Tip Of The Month

Label everything you sow — even if you’re sure you’ll remember. February enthusiasm fades fast, and clear labels save a lot of guessing later.

Looking Ahead

February is short, but it’s full of promise. Every seed you sow and every small job you do now brings you closer to the colour and abundance of spring. Keep things simple, steady, and enjoyable — the busy months are coming, and you’ll be ready.