February Gardening Jobs 2025
Written by Matt W on 24th Jan 2025.
February brings the first hints of spring to UK gardens, with early bulbs pushing through and daylight hours steadily increasing. These essential gardening jobs will set your garden up for success in 2025.
Soil Preparation
Begin by clearing garden beds of winter debris and persistent weeds. Add well-rotted manure or garden compost to boost soil fertility. Cover prepared beds with horticultural fleece to keep soil warm and workable for spring planting. Test soil pH now to make necessary adjustments before the growing season begins.
Essential Pruning
Now is the perfect time for winter pruning of apple and pear trees - remove any crossing, dead or diseased branches to maintain an open, goblet-shaped structure. Cut back late-summer flowering clematis stems to about 30cm from ground level. Trim wisteria side shoots to 2-3 buds from their base. Remove old rose leaves to prevent disease carry-over.
Flowers Tasks Checklist - February 2025
| Task | Recommended Time | Tools Required | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply slow-release fertiliser | Mid January | Fertiliser | Use a balanced fertiliser |
| Trim back climbers | Mid January | Pruning shears | Do not disturb nesting birds |
| Cut down deciduous ornamental grasses | Early January | Shears | Ensure to cut before new growth starts |
| Prune winter-blooming shrubs | Late January | Pruning shears | Prune after flowering to encourage new growth |
| Divide herbaceous perennials | Mid January | Spade | Water well after dividing |
| Cut away epimedium foliage | Late January | Shears | Promote healthy growth by removing old foliage |
| Pot up spring bedding | Mid January | Containers | Use quality compost for potting |
| Transplant deciduous shrubs | Early January | Spade | Choose a new location with suitable conditions |
| Prune buddleja and elder | Early January | Pruning shears | Keep the shrub size manageable |
| Cut back wisteria side shoots | Mid January | Pruning shears | Encourage flowering by pruning correctly |
| Divide snowdrops and winter aconites | Mid January | Spade | Replant immediately to avoid drying out |
| Prune late-summer clematis | Late January | Pruning shears | Make clean cuts to prevent disease |
Starting Seeds
Begin sowing hardy annuals like cornflowers and sweet peas in a heated propagator. Start early vegetables including tomatoes, chilies and aubergines indoors. Place early potato varieties in egg boxes to chit in a cool, bright spot. Sow broad beans directly into prepared outdoor beds under cloches.
Fruit & Vegetable Tasks Checklist - February 2025
| Task | Timing | Tools Required | Essential Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare vegetable seed beds | Early February | Fork, rake, organic matter | Warm soil with cloches before sowing; ensure good drainage |
| Chit potato tubers | Throughout February | Egg boxes, shallow trays | Keep in light room at 10°C; shoots should be short and sturdy |
| Net fruit and vegetable crops | Mid February | Garden netting, supports | Check existing netting for damage from winter weather |
| Feed fruit trees | Late February | Sulphate of potash, spreader | Apply before bud burst; water in if soil is dry |
| Force strawberries | Early-Mid February | Cloches, fleece | Remove covers on warm days to prevent disease |
| Plant/divide rhubarb | Early February | Spade, compost | Space crowns 1m apart; add plenty of organic matter |
| Pest control | Throughout February | Organic pellets, traps | Check protected crops regularly for early pest activity |
Note: February weather can be unpredictable - adjust tasks according to local conditions and protect tender plants from late frosts.
Garden Structures
Check and repair garden structures while plants are dormant. A wooden potting shed provides essential space for seed starting and tool storage. Consider overwintering plants in a greenhouse to protect tender specimens.
Greenhouse Tasks Checklist - February 2025
| Task | Recommended Time | Tools Required | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean greenhouse glass | Early January | Cleaning equipment | Clean on a dry day |
| Monitor temperatures | Daily | Max-min thermometer | Check morning and evening |
| Hand-pollinate peach blossom | When flowering | Soft paintbrush | Pollinate in middle of day |
| Start tender crops | Mid January | Propagator, seed trays | Maintain consistent warmth |
| Clean overwintering plants | Weekly | Secateurs | Remove debris promptly |
| Plant summer bulbs | Mid January | Pots, compost | Do not overwater |
| Sow sweet peas | Early January | Deep pots, compost | Maintain frost-free conditions |
| Plant dahlia tubers | Late January | Trays, compost | Keep slightly moist |
| Maintain hippeastrum | When needed | Secateurs | Keep leaves intact |
| Prune fuchsias | Early January | Secateurs | Increase watering gradually |
| Pot on autumn-sown sweet peas | Mid January | Pots, secateurs | Pinch out tips for bushier growth |
| Sow summer bedding | Late January | Seed trays, compost | Use fresh seed compost |
Wildlife Support
Position nest boxes in sheltered spots away from prevailing winds. Continue feeding garden birds with high-energy foods. Create log piles in quiet corners to support beneficial insects. Keep unfrozen water available for wildlife during cold spells.
Lawn Maintenance
Stay off grass during frosty conditions to prevent damage. Remove fallen leaves and debris. If weather permits, edge lawns for a neat appearance. Consider aerating waterlogged areas once conditions improve.
Planning Ahead
Review last year's planting schemes and plan crop rotation. Order seeds and summer-flowering bulbs early. Clean and organise tools, pots, and labels ready for spring use.
Garden Maintenance Schedule - February 2025
| Week | Task | Tools Required | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Feb | Clean and sharpen garden tools and mowers | Cleaning supplies, sharpening tools | High |
| Early Feb | Clear pond of debris and remove autumn netting | Pond net, gloves | High |
| Throughout | Knock snow off evergreen branches after snowfall | Long pole or broom | High |
| Early-Mid Feb | Spread compost/manure on flower beds | Wheelbarrow, fork | Medium |
| Mid Feb | Check greenhouse heaters and ventilation | Max-min thermometer | High |
| Mid Feb | Clean greenhouse glass inside and out | Cleaning equipment, ladder | Medium |
| Mid Feb | Remove yellowing leaves from overwintering plants | Secateurs, garden waste bag | Medium |
| Throughout | Monitor soil conditions in beds | Garden fork | Low |
| Late Feb | Check garden structures and supports | Basic tools | Medium |
| Late Feb | Clear paths and borders of winter debris | Rake, garden waste bag | Medium |
| Throughout | Check plant ties and stakes | Garden twine, stakes | Low |
| Throughout | Monitor for signs of pest damage | None | Medium |
Note: Timing of tasks may need adjustment based on local weather conditions.
Your Questions Answered
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and hedging while dormant. Sow broad beans and early peas under cloches. Plant shallots and garlic in well-drained soil.
Use fleece or cloches over tender plants. Move containers against house walls for protection. Apply thick mulch around plant bases. Keep greenhouse heaters running on cold nights.