Gardener's Diary is a regular feature of Age-Net run by our Deputy Editor

Rosemary Martin

 

February 2010

January! What a cold month it was.. A couple of tender plants were lost in our garden, despite covering them with straw and a wind break, but gardeners are optimistic folk and I'm already planning their replacements.. I do hope that none of you had too much snow or frost damage to your gardens.

This has to be one of the best times of the year for those of us who like gardening, with the anticipation of Spring and Summer to come.. Each day now gets a little longer and hopefully warmer, and we have it all to look forward to, even if the expectation does outweigh the reality...

 

Thompson & Morgan say that gardeners are now finding mushroom growing a very popular pastime, and have sent me details of their most popular sets here

  

 

They also sent me details of the new vegetable which is a cross between brussels sprouts and kale, called Petit Posy - we're going to try growing some...

 

 

 

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Jobs for the month - February

 

House plants

See that any house plants on window cills are not too cold or in a draught. At the same time ensure that they have adequate humidity, because central heating can dry some plants out too much. Don't start feeding them until March. Take out any dead leaves, and wipe glossy leaved plants with a damp cloth to freshen them up.

Lawns

February is a good month to find out what sort of soil conditions exist below grass level. If your lawn tends to get waterlogged it is compacted, so you need to pierce the surface with a fork to a depth of about six inches, and then wiggle the fork backwards and forwards a couple of times. For larger lawns do a section at a time as it is hard work, or use a special aerating tool for the job which can be hired from a tool hire centre. Follow this operation by sprinkling coarse gritty sand over the surface, which will quickly soak in.

Shrub borders and roses

Turn over the borders very lightly with a hoe to freshen them up as the earth will have become compacted over winter - taking out weeds at the same time and avoiding any spring bulbs which may be coming through. If the weather is mild and dry, cut out dead or twiggy wood from rose bushes and shrubs. Prune early summer and later flowering clematis hybrids, ornamental grape vines and wisteria according to instructions in your gardening book.

Paths, walls and fencing

Do any necessary repairs before plant growth starts. Use a weedkiller such as Pathclear to kill grass and weeds on concrete areas for a whole season. Examine the supports for climbing plants and replace if necessary. Pressure clean paths or other ground areas that have become slippery with moss and algae.

Greenhouse

Plants that you have stored over winter such as pelargoniums, (geraniums) fuchsias, dahlias and tuberous begonias can now be started into growth. Keep some gentle heat on in the greenhouse during the nights as frosts will still kill plants even under glass. 

Trees and shrubs

If the ground is not frozen you can plant ornamental trees and shrubs. Dead or diseased branches or twigs on new or existing trees, can be cut out. Give a top dressing with a fertilizer and mulch, or manure, which is much better. Check that the supports and ties for young trees are secure but not too tight, and won't rub against the trunk.

Water gardens

If the weather is suitable for you to do a pond 'spring clean' then take care not to disturb mating frogs or toads. If they haven't yet paired off you can put them in a bucket and cover them until it's time to put them back in the pond. The same goes for the fish. We put ours in a plastic plastering bath where they swim around quite happily until they're returned to their pond. If you are re-lining a concrete pond take care to use the correct sealant afterwards, and give it ample time to dry. It`s probably a little early in the year for buying aquatic plants.

Wildlife

Continue feeding the birds with peanuts, seed, sultanas and fruit, not forgetting to put out fresh water for them. Animals that have been asleep through the winter will start to wake up and make their first hunting trips. These include hedgehogs who are good friends of the gardener with their foraging for slugs and beetles. Grey squirrels who have had a very brief hibernation period will now start to go out and about. Birds will start their mating songs and nest building. It`s a splendid time of year for wildlife - a new and busy beginning !

And finally....

Seed sowing tips:

Very often people will sow seeds in semi-frozen compost straight from the cold garden shed, but this will only spoil them and even rot them off. So make sure the compost is nice and warm by bringing it into the house to warm it through the day before sowing.

Discard last year's compost onto borders, or for outside tubs, and buy new.

Thoroughly clean all seed trays, labels and plant pots with a garden disinfectant

Resist the temptation to sow bedding plant seeds too early, as there's just not enough daylight at this time of year for some seeds, and you won't really want to tend them for four months before they can go into the garden; April is quite soon enough to start them off... Follow the instructions on seed packets..