February Gardening Jobs: UK Checklist 2026
February brings the first real signs of spring to UK gardens. Daylight hours are increasing and early bulbs like snowdrops are putting on a display. The 2026 growing season is officially underway. These essential tasks will set your garden up for success this year.
Key Takeaways
- February is the last window for winter pruning apple, pear, and wisteria
- Start tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines indoors at 18–21°C
- Chit seed potatoes now for planting first earlies in mid-March
- Clean greenhouse glass to restore up to 40% lost light
- Cover prepared beds with fleece to warm soil before March sowing
Installer's Note
February is when we start getting calls about greenhouse repairs. Storm damage from January shows up once people head back into the garden. Check every pane, test your automatic vents, and replace any cracked glass now. A single broken pane lets in enough cold air to kill a tray of seedlings overnight.
Soil Preparation
Begin by clearing garden beds of winter debris and persistent weeds. If your soil is workable (not frozen or waterlogged), dig in well-rotted manure or garden compost to boost fertility levels. Cover prepared beds with fleece or cloches to warm the soil for March sowing. Test your soil pH now and apply lime if it is too acidic for your planned crops.
Essential Pruning
February is your last chance to winter prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant. Remove crossing, dead, or diseased branches. Aim for an open, goblet-shaped structure that lets light in.
- Clematis: Cut back late-summer flowering clematis (Group 3) stems to about 30cm from ground level.
- Wisteria: Trim side shoots to 2-3 buds from their base to encourage flowering spurs.
- Roses: Ensure you remove old rose leaves from around the base of plants to prevent blackspot spores from overwintering.
Flowers Tasks Checklist - Feb 2026
| Task | Recommended Time | Tools Required | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply slow-release fertiliser | Mid Feb | Fertiliser | Sprinkle around base of shrubs/roses |
| Trim back deciduous grasses | Early Feb | Shears | Cut before new green shoots appear |
| Prune winter-blooming shrubs | Late Feb | Secateurs | Prune immediately after flowering finishes |
| Divide snowdrops | Late Feb | Hand fork | Lift and divide 'in the green' after flowering |
| Pot up lilies/summer bulbs | Mid Feb | Pots, Compost | Keep in a frost-free greenhouse |
| Cut back Group 3 Clematis | Mid Feb | Secateurs | Cut to strong buds 30cm from ground |
Starting Seeds & Early Harvests
You can now begin sowing hardy annuals like cornflowers and sweet peas in a heated propagator. Start chillies, aubergines, and tomatoes indoors now. They need a long growing season. Place early potato varieties in egg boxes to chit in a cool, bright spot.
Matt's Pick for February Greenhouse Heating
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Matt's Pick: Elite Super Warm 5 Paraffin Heater Best for: Frost protection and forcing early strawberries in an unheated greenhouse Why I recommend it: The 4.5-litre tank burns for up to 3.5 days on a single fill. No electricity needed. We recommend these for any greenhouse where you want to keep overnight temperatures above 5°C through February and March. Price: £2,199 View the Elite Super Warm 5 Paraffin Heater |
Veg Tasks Checklist - Feb 2026
| Task | Timing | Tools Required | Essential Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare seed beds | Early Feb | Fork, Rake | Warm soil with cloches 2 weeks before sowing |
| Chit potato tubers | All Month | Egg boxes | Keep in a light, cool room (approx 10°C) |
| Sow Broad Beans | Late Feb | Trowel | Sow directly under cloches if soil is not frozen |
| Feed fruit trees | Late Feb | Sulphate of Potash | Apply before bud burst; water in well |
| Plant Rhubarb | Early Feb | Spade, Manure | Plant new crowns with plenty of organic matter |
| Force Strawberries | Mid Feb | Cloches/Heater | Cover plants to encourage early flowering |
Greenhouse Structures
While the garden is dormant, check your structures. A sturdy wooden potting shed is invaluable for organising pots and trays. Short on space? A lean to greenhouse makes excellent use of a sunny wall.
For standard greenhouses, ensure the glass is clean to maximise light levels. This is essential if you are overwintering tender plants.
Greenhouse Tasks Checklist - Feb 2026
| Task | Frequency | Tools Required | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Glass | Once | Hot water, sponge | Maximise light for seedlings |
| Check Heater | Daily | Thermometer | Ensure night temps don't drop below 5°C |
| Water Overwintering Plants | Weekly | Can | Water sparingly; avoid wetting foliage |
| Sow Tomatoes/Peppers | Mid Feb | Propagator | Requires heat (18-21°C) to germinate |
| Check for Pests | Weekly | Magnifying glass | Look for overwintering aphids or whitefly |
Matt's Tip: Don't Rush the Soil
I see people digging frozen soil every February. It destroys the structure and sets you back weeks. Squeeze a handful of soil. If water drips out, leave it alone. If it crumbles, you are good to dig. Cover beds with fleece two weeks before you plan to sow. It warms the top 10cm enough to make a real difference.
Wildlife, Lawns & Planning
- Wildlife Support: Position nest boxes now. Continue feeding birds with high-energy foods like fat balls.
- Lawn Maintenance: Stay off the grass during frosty mornings. Recut edges if you have a mild spell to tidy the appearance.
- Planning Ahead: Review your crop rotation plan. Clean pots and seed trays with hot soapy water to prevent disease.
Weekly Maintenance Schedule - Feb 2026
| Week | Task | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Clean greenhouse glass & service heaters | High |
| Week 1 | Prune apple/pear trees & wisteria | High |
| Week 2 | Sow tomatoes & chillies (indoors/heated) | Medium |
| Week 2 | Prep veg beds (cover with fleece) | Medium |
| Week 3 | Chit potatoes & plant shallots | Medium |
| Week 4 | Mulch borders & cut back grasses | Low |
| Throughout | Check stored tubers (Dahlias) for rot | Low |
Frequently asked questions
What seeds can I start in February in the UK?
Tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines can all start indoors this month. Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill set to 18–21°C. Hardy annuals like sweet peas and broad beans can be sown in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
Is it too late to prune apple trees in February?
No, February is the ideal month for pruning apple and pear trees. They should still be dormant. Finish before the buds burst in early March. Remove crossing, dead, or diseased branches to maintain an open structure.
How do I protect plants from late February frosts?
Horticultural fleece or cloches protect tender plants and veg beds. In the greenhouse, a heater set to 5–10°C keeps seedlings safe overnight. Raise pots off the ground where possible to prevent root damage.
When should I start chitting potatoes?
Start chitting seed potatoes in early February. Place tubers in egg boxes with the eyes facing upward. Keep them in a cool, bright spot at around 10°C. They need 4–6 weeks of chitting before planting first earlies in mid-March.
Should I clean my greenhouse in February?
Yes, February is the best time to deep clean your greenhouse. Dirty glass blocks up to 40% of available light. Wash all panes with warm soapy water inside and out. Scrub the frame, staging, and shelving with garden disinfectant to kill overwintering pests.
