Monthly easy-care jobs

What to do in February

February is a month of quiet transition and final preparations in an easy-care garden. As the first snowdrops and crocuses begin to peek through, focus on finishing the structural pruning of deciduous shrubs and roses.. To save work later, apply a thick layer of organic mulch to damp soil now; this locks in moisture and smothers weed seeds before the germination rush. Finally, take a moment to clean and sharpen your tools so you’re ready to hit the ground running when the better spring days truly arrive. As always, here are more jobs you can do in February.

This page will be updated throughout the month, so please do regularly return, and be sure to sign up to the monthly newsletter.

Unlock Your Newsletter!

Discover effortless gardening secrets. Get expert articles, time-saving tips, the best plant advice, special offers and author book updates delivered directly to your inbox on the second Tuesday of every month. Signing up also gives you exclusive access to The Easy-care Garden Community Facebook group.

Join the community

Join thousands of happy gardeners today. We respect your privacy.

Mulch any bare soil

Mulch any bare soil

Mulching involves applying a generous layer of organic matter across the exposed earth. While the process is straightforward, the benefits ...
Planting lily bulbs in February

Glowing lilies in pots

Finding the right spot for lilies can be a challenge. These elegant plants like to have their roots cool and ...
Prepare dahlias for early cuttings

Prepare dahlias for early cuttings

While the garden may be stirring with the first whispers of spring approaching, it is worth remembering that our most ...
Planting broad beans in February

Start sowing broad beans

Getting a head start on the vegetable plot in February is one of the most rewarding tasks for any gardener ...
February is a good time to start chitting potatoes

Start chitting potatoes

As the days gradually lengthen in February, it is the perfect time to begin "chitting" your seed potatoes. Most of ...
February is a good time to prune a butterfly bush

Pruning a butterfly bush

Pruning the Butterfly Bush, or Buddleja davidii, is one of the most rewarding February tasks for a gardener. While it ...
Prune late-flowering clematis in February

Pruning clematis

When it comes to the late-winter garden, few tasks are as transformative—or as confusing—as pruning clematis. The golden rule for ...
Cleaning garden shears

Garden shears maintenance

As February’s frost lingers, the garden remains in a state of quiet anticipation. While the ground may be too stubborn ...
Pruning Hybrid and Floribunda roses

Prune Hybrid and floribunda roses

Pruning hybrid tea and floribunda roses is the secret to keeping a nice shape and plenty of flowers. While the ...
Suet log in a fat ball feeder

Treat birds to a suet log

As February unfolds, bringing with it some of the coldest and most challenging days of winter, our garden birds are ...
Deadheading pansies

Keep your pansies displays looking good

As the garden navigates the final stretch of winter in February, the presence of pansies and violas is a lifeline ...
Winter tool care

Reviving Your Secateurs

The February quiet period is the best time for a specialised bit of maintenance: reviving your secateurs. They are the ...