Pruning
Trim back the whippy branches on Wisteria to three buds from where the branch joins the main stem. This will help keep the plant healthy, and the display thick with flowers. Come later in the year, you’ll be buzzing with the results, and so will the bees.
Certain plants, at this time of year, benefit from pruning right back to the base. A prime example is Buddleja – beloved by butterflies. Left unchecked, Buddleja can become straggly and unattractive and so a hard prune back to a couple of inches from the bottom will allow a new, fresh set of growth to emerge, and give you a manageable, healthy and resplendent display later in the year.
Group 3 Clematis (Clematis that flower in late-summer) require pruning in February or March to avoid becoming messy and tangled. Flowers on Group 3 Clematis will appear on new growth only and so we recommend cutting back to about a foot from the base of the planting and tying in new growth as it winds its way up.
Planting
Now is the time to plant Dahlia tubers that have been stored over winter. Planting in late February and March should be done in a pot, allowing the tubers to sprout. If you want to plant directly into the ground however, give it a month or two. To plant in a pot, simply cover with some peat-free organic compost and set a reminder to plant out in the ground in a two months’ time.
Our Adventure theme, comes scattered with edible plants, including fruit bearing plants. If you want to expand your fruit production though, February and March are a great time to plant bare-root apple trees. A really sustainable way of planting – due to not needing to transport a great pot full of soil – bare-root apple trees can be planted in full sun, in rich soil and making sure to keep the bulbous part of the trunk, just above the roots, marginally above soil level. Keep it well-watered and enjoy thinking about the literal fruits of your labour to come.
A number of flowering plants can be grown from seed in February – ideally on a warm windowsill or even in a heated propagator. A few plants to think about planting as seen in small pots include: Cosmos, Salvia, Sweet Peas and Hardy Geraniums. Growing from seed is a great way to save money and grow harder-to-find varieties. (Obviously though, Dig’s Instant Beds are very much here to help if you are doubtful of your seed-germinating abilities!)
Preparing
Edging your lawn or flower beds doesn’t take long. The soft ground at this time of year makes for a perfect time to undertake this quick and easy task. Using a spade or, even better, a half-moon edging tool, chop down along the edge of your beds, making clean border lines. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes to your garden.
Gardening for nature
Cleaning bird feeders – New research suggests that feeding garden birds all year round isn’t ideal. The main reason for this is that many birds gathering around a small collection of feeders can easily spread diseases between one another. As keen garden birdwatchers, we would be very upset to be parted with our bird feeders and so, to combat the spread of disease, we implore you (as we implore ourselves) to keep feeders well-cleaned. Every refill, give them a wash with warm soapy water and disinfectant, and help keep the nasties under control.
Post-hibernation help for hedgehogs – As hedgehogs begin to emerge from hibernation, leaving out some dry meat-based dog or cat food is a great way to lend a hand – especially if you have seen traces of hedgehogs in your outdoor space. Take the food in the morning to prevent it from attracting too many unwanted visitors.
Trim back climbing plants such as ivy now – If plants like ivy, which can grow voraciously, have begun to take over, give them a trim now before they begin to be used by nesting birds.
