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February in the garden

According to the Royal Horticultural Society 'Spring is in Sight'; what a cheering thought after all these dark days.  And what could raise our spirits more than a visit to Walsingham or Anglesey Abbey to see drifts of beautiful snowdrops?  In our own gardens it may be time to lift and divide clumps of snowdrops if they are getting congested, although there is now some argument about whether or not to plant them 'in the green', which has always been the accepted practice.  If you want to extend the show, try Leucojum vernum or spring snowflake, which thrives in light shade in any good garden soil.

Wisteria should be pruned now and hardy evergreen hedges as well as any winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering.  Pansies and violas will continue to flower well into spring if dead-headed regularly and any overcrowded herbaceous perennials may be divided provided the ground is not frozen.     

If the weather is just too wet to go outside, there is work to be done in the greenhouse.   Begonia and gloxinia tubers can be planted this month, hollow side uppermost.  A temperature of 5oC (41oF) should be maintained to protect pelargoniums and tender fuchsias from the cold.  Tropical plants will need a minimum temperature of 12oC (54oF).  Ensure glasshouse insulation is still in place until the cold weather is over and continue to ventilate on dry days to reduce the risk of fungal infection.  Only water houseplants sparingly until you see signs of active growth appearing with the arrival of spring.  It's important to keep houseplants in as well lit a position as possible until natural light increases from next month onwards.  If you have any pots of bulbs that were forced for Christmas display, put them in a sheltered place outside to finish dying down.

Sow lettuce under glass this month for a crop ready from mid-May to early June.  Radishes can also be sown under cloches as can broad beans, and from mid-February plant shallot sets out of doors, leaving onions until next month.  Still outside, rhubarb can be forced (by placing a bucket over it) to provide an early crop.  

There is still time to consult catalogues for inspiration and ideas for growing plants from seed and buying plugs for the coming year. Winter usually inflicts some casualties, but this always gives us opportunities to experiment and try something new.

The next meeting will be on 7th February at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall when Tim Fuller will speak on 'Gardening with Grasses'.  Visitors are always welcome.  Details can be obtained from Heather Metcalf on 854872.

 Harleston Garden Club