February might feel like a slow month, but it’s full of quiet potential. It’s a time to dream, plan, and prepare for the growing season ahead. The hoar frosts and biting winds can make it tempting to stay indoors, but there’s still plenty to be done.
The Gulf Stream is at its thinnest right now, meaning we often get our coldest weather, but that’s all the more reason to cosy up with gardening books, seed packets, and a hot drink while planning for spring. And when the sun does peek through, take the opportunity to get outside, even if it’s just for an hour of pruning, sowing, or harvesting.
And remember, there’s nothing wrong with a little winter rest. The pace will pick up soon enough.
What to Enjoy This Month
Sort through your seed packets and start sowing indoors.
Enjoy the winter blooms—hellebores, snowdrops, crocuses, violas, and winter honeysuckle are all brightening up the garden right now.
Plant out hyacinth bulbs once they’ve finished flowering indoors, just add a little grit for drainage, and they’ll be back next year.
Sow sweet peas-mine are sitting happily in the cold frame. They thrive in cool temperatures, so don’t be afraid to start early.
Chit first early potatoes-pop varieties like ‘Pentland Javelin’ or ‘Rocket’ into egg boxes on a windowsill for chitting.
Jobs for February
Prune fruit trees - this is the last chance to prune apples and pears before buds appear, along with currants and gooseberries.
Trim back perennials-strip away dead stems and leaves. Bare soil attracts garden birds, who’ll help by feasting on slug eggs and pests.
Deadhead winter pansies to encourage more blooms.
Mulch borders if needed, to keep the soil nourished and protected.
Turn your compost to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
Add gravel mulch to pots to help with drainage and suppress weeds.
What to Sow
Broad beans - one of my favourites and so easy to grow.
Chillies
Leeks and onions
Tomatoes from seed
Peas
What to Plant
Apple, pear, and quince trees
Raspberry canes and currants
Shallots and rhubarb
What to Harvest
If you’re harvesting at this time of year, you’re likely already deep into growing your own. But if you’re new or just curious, here’s what’s in season:
Forced rhubarb
Kale
Winter salad
Purple sprouting broccoli
Leeks
Jerusalem artichokes
A Mindful Gardening Moment
This month, why not bring a little of the garden indoors?
Create a simple potted bulb arrangement for your table. Pick up some Tête-à-Tête daffodils or reduced-price hyacinth bulbs from the supermarket, repot them into a basket with fresh compost, and top with moss for a natural, seasonal centrepiece. I did this last week, and already, the first green shoots are peeking through. A little reminder that spring is on its way.
February’s Recipe – Leek and Potato Soup
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade soup after a cold day in the garden. This one is my go-to—simple, nourishing, and full of flavour.
Ingredients
2 leeks, trimmed, washed, and sliced
1 courgette (for extra greens), chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced
50g butter
750ml vegetable or chicken stock
125ml milk, cream, or crème fraîche
Salt and pepper
Method
Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the leeks, courgette, and potatoes, season well, and sweat them gently for 10 minutes.
Pour in the stock and simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is just tender (avoid overcooking to keep the flavours fresh).
Blend until smooth, then stir in the milk or cream to taste.
For an extra touch:
Chop stale sourdough into cubes, toss with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and bake at 180°C for 8–10 minutes to make crispy croutons.
Add a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to finish.
Looking Ahead
I’d love to hear what’s happening in your February garden. What are you planning, planting, or simply noticing? Reply to this post or drop a comment.. I’d love to share ideas and tips with you.
Until next time, happy gardening!
Charlotte
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