February marks a pivotal point in the vegetable growing calendar, signaling the impending arrival of spring while often retaining the chill of winter. Despite the potential for cold snaps, there are still plenty of tasks to undertake in the garden this month. Here’s a rundown of what you can focus on.
Add organic matter to your beds
Spring is fast approaching and if you haven’t done so already, February is a great time to add plenty of organic matter to your beds. Well rotted manure or compost is perfect for this.
Warming the soil
For those eager to kickstart the growing season, you can try warming the soil by covering with small plastic growing tunnels. They warm the soil and in the process drying the soil beneath. Alternatively, construct a hotbed, fill it with plenty of organic matter. As the organic matter breaks down, it produces heat, warming the soil. Placing a cold frame above the soil will protect the seedlings and any plants you are growing in the bed.
Protecting Early Blossoms
Protect blossoming fruit trees from potential frost damage, as the damaged flowers may fail to produce fruit. Utilize fleece coverings, removing them on warmer days to encourage pollination by insects. In the absence of insects, manually transfer pollen between flowers using a soft brush.
Early sowings
Weather permitting you can start a number of early sowings in the greenhouse or outside under cloches. Summer cabbage and cauliflower can be started in a greenhouse. If you want to grow your onions from seeds, you can start sowing them indoors from the middle of the month. The same goes for leeks. Broad beans and early peas can be started giving you an early harvest around May time. Start them in 3 inch pots or you can use some cardboard from toilet rolls which will rot down when planted out.