What to sow in February

February is the month when gardeners start to feel the season turning — slowly, but enough to get things moving. There’s plenty you can sow now, especially with a bit of protection.

• Some hardy vegetables can be sown outside under cover. Cloches, fleece or a cold frame will help warm the soil and protect seedlings.
• In warm indoor conditions (heated greenhouse or propagator), sow tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers. These need a long growing season, so an early start pays off.
• Sow leeks under cover. They germinate well in trays and can be planted out later in spring.
• Make early sowings of brassicas: Brussels sprouts, summer cabbage, cauliflower and other hardy types. They appreciate the cool start.
• Broad beans can be sown outside if the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. They’re tough plants, but they dislike sitting in cold, soggy soil.
• Chit potato tubers by placing them in a cool, bright, frost‑free place. Short, sturdy shoots now mean stronger plants later.

What to do in February

• Net overwintering vegetables to keep hungry birds off — pigeons in particular can strip brassicas overnight.
• Remove weeds from around the base of young trees and shrubs. Even small weeds compete for moisture and nutrients.
• Mulch and feed shrubs to give them a good start as temperatures begin to rise.
• Prune hardy shrubs towards the end of the month, once the worst frosts have passed.
• Continue preparing seed beds — breaking up clods, removing stones and adding compost where needed.
• If the weather is mild and the grass is dry, give the lawn its first cut of the year, keeping the mower set high to avoid stressing the grass.