FEBRUARY

ESSENTIAL JOBS CHECKLIST FOR FEBRUARY

TOPICAL TIPS FOR FEBRUARY

Flower Garden

Start to prune clematis. Clematis fall into one of three basic categories – early-flowered such as Montana ’ s, early large-flowered hybrids and those flowering after midsummer. The ones that need pruning now fall into the last two groups, so check first which varieties you've got. For the last group, the late-flowerers, it's very easy – cut them down to six to eight inches above soil level, cutting just above a bud if you can. Don't prune spring-flowering clematis or you'll get no flowers! After pruning feed with your favourite Westland plant food, either Growmore or Fish, Blood and Bone. The early large-flowered varieties are a bit more tricky. You need to cut back healthy stems to just above a strong pair of leaf buds. Don't cut right back or you won't get the early flowers at all.
Split clumps of overcrowded snowdrops by digging them up and gently teasing the bulbs apart. Replant in groups of five using a handful of peat Mulch and Mix in the planting hole.
Continue to mulch established borders.
Lightly trim back Winter heathers after flowering has finished.

Going Green

Its time to start thinking of sowing some early salad crops such as lettuce and radish ’ s, these can be sown safely under cover or under cloches, use our Westland Peat free compost to get a truly organic result.

Roses

Roses can also be pruned now. Shrub roses don't need much trimming, but you can be quite severe with hybrid teas and floribundas. First cut all dead wood, and then cut out crowded or crossing stems. Finally cut back the remaining stems by about half. Aim to cut to just above an outward facing bud and this will help to make the bush grow outwards. After pruning use Westland Rose feed

Lawn

If your lawn is a bit soggy, pierce it all over with a garden fork at six-inch intervals to help drainage.
Do not be tempted to feed lawns too early as this can accelerate growth too early which may cause problems if severe weather arrives.

In the Greenhouse

You can make the first sowings in a heated propagator of summer bedding. Those needing an early start include petunias, geraniums, Busy Lizzies and nicotianas. Use one of the Westland ’ s seed composts, or multi-purpose composts.
Tomatoes can also be sown this month
Towards the end of the month start pelargoniums into growth by watering gently. Once growth starts, cut back the plant and repot it into fresh multi-purpose compost
Fuchsias can also be started. Cut them back to about six inches, report into multi-purpose compost then water gently.

Containers

Keep picking off the dead heads from winter pansies and primroses to keep them looking good.
Replace any plants such as Cyclamen which may have been damaged in the winter months, plants such as Primrose and potted bulbs are great for filling in the gaps.

Vegetable Garden

Herb Garden

Sow small quantities of parsley seed in a seed tray. It's a good idea to sow parsley every four weeks until autumn. This will ensure a succession of fresh foliage for harvesting. To help the seeds germinate, soak them in warm water for several hours, then dry before sowing in your favourite Westland Seed Compost.
Fresh young herb plants are generally available towards the end of this month for planting out, place in a protected area until the risk of severe weather has passed.

Fruit Garden

If your fruit trees have had a lot of problems with pests and diseases it's worth trying a spray of tar oil winter wash over the trunk and branches. Always follow the instructions carefully and be sure not to spray on a windy day.

Houseplants

All houseplants should be watered sparingly in the winter months.
Only start to feed houseplants when they show signs of new growth or fresh flower buds