Allotment and vegetable gardening in February

Gardening in February is anything but self-evident; how many of us have left our allotments and even our very own gardens to do as they will through the coldest months of the year? But there is, in fact, plenty for the dedicated gardener to do. Ready? Get your wellies on, bring an extra pair of gloves, and get ready!

Plants can get damaged by snow. So far, we’ve been quite lucky this winter in avoiding heavy snowfall, but be aware that you’ll need to brush the loads of snow off of your plants, trees and bushes. The weight and ice can do some serious damage, so you’re best off using a soft brush (or your gloved hands; no need to be fancy!) to brush it all off when you can.

By the same token, there is plenty for you to do this winter to prepare for sowing. Are you excited yet? Some of us are raring to go by this time of year, and it’s easy to get carried away. But there are things you could be doing to help facilitate the sowing time in spring.

This is the ideal time to give your kit a nice looking-at, so you can make sure you’re not using broken bits and pieces. You’ll have plenty of time to buy new if required, before the warmer weather sends prices soaring back up. Alternatively, making sure your old pots, labels and trays are clean and disinfected will ensure you get the best possible results.

Check your electrical apparatus, too – is everything still functioning as it should? Oil parts that need oiling and start collecting all the seeds you intend to sow. Clear out your greenhouse and your shed; making sure everything’s tidy and clean will allow you to get stuck in right away when sowing time rolls around!

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