Plants to Plant in February in the UK: A Gardener’s Guide

February marks the transition from winter to early spring in the UK, making it an excellent time to prepare your garden for the growing season. With longer days and warming temperatures, you can start planting a variety of crops, flowers, and shrubs. This guide explores the best plants to plant in February in the UK, gardening tips, and how to make the most of this early start.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Vegetables to Plant in February
3. Flowers to Plant in February
4. Herbs to Sow in February
5. Fruit to Plant in February
6. Shrubs and Trees to Plant in February
7. Gardening Tips for February
8. FAQs About February Gardening
9. Conclusion
10. Meta Description

Introduction

February may still be cold and frosty in the UK, but it’s a vital month for gardeners to get ahead of the growing season. With the right plants and proper preparation, you can lay the foundation for a productive and beautiful garden.

Vegetables to Plant in February

Outdoors:

1. Broad Beans:
   • Sow directly in the ground for an early summer harvest.
2. Peas:
   • Early varieties like ‘Feltham First’ can be planted under cloches.
3. Onion Sets:
   • Plant hardy varieties for a late summer harvest.
4. Shallots:
   • Begin planting in well-drained soil.
5. Garlic:
   • Plant cloves in sunny spots for autumn harvesting.

Indoors:

1. Tomatoes:
   • Start seeds in a propagator for transplanting later.
2. Chillies and Peppers:
   • Begin indoors to ensure a long growing season.
3. Lettuce:
   • Sow in trays for early salads.

Flowers to Plant in February

1. Sweet Peas:
   • Sow seeds indoors for strong plants ready to move outdoors in spring.
2. Pansies:
   • Plant hardy varieties for early spring colour.
3. Primroses and Polyanthus:
   • Add to borders for bright blooms.
4. Hellebores:
   • Perfect for winter interest and early spring displays.
5. Snowdrops:
   • Plant bulbs ‘in the green’ for next year’s blooms.

Herbs to Sow in February

1. Parsley:
   • Start seeds indoors for fresh herbs in early spring.
2. Chives:
   • Sow in pots for a steady supply of leaves.
3. Basil:
   • Grow indoors on a sunny windowsill for early use.
4. Coriander:
   • Sow under cover for quick growth.

Fruit to Plant in February

1. Strawberries:
   • Plant bare-root runners for summer fruiting.
2. Rhubarb Crowns:
   • Add to well-prepared beds for an early start.
3. Currant Bushes:
   • Plant blackcurrants, redcurrants, and white currants while dormant.
4. Fruit Trees:
   • Apple, pear, and cherry trees can be planted during dry, frost-free conditions.

Shrubs and Trees to Plant in February

1. Roses:
   • Plant bare-root roses for beautiful summer blooms.
2. Deciduous Trees:
   • Ideal time for planting species like birch and rowan.
3. Evergreen Shrubs:
   • Add structure to borders with hardy varieties.
4. Hedges:
   • Hawthorn, beech, and hornbeam hedging plants establish well when planted now.

Gardening Tips for February

1. Prepare Soil:
   • Add compost or manure to beds and borders for improved fertility.
2. Protect Young Plants:
   • Use cloches, fleece, or cold frames to shield seedlings from frost.
3. Start Indoors:
   • Use propagators or heated trays for temperature-sensitive seeds.
4. Prune Fruit Trees and Bushes:
   • Remove dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth.
5. Check Tools:
   • Sharpen and clean gardening tools in preparation for the busy spring season.

FAQs About February Gardening

1. Can I plant directly outdoors in February?

Answer: Yes, hardy vegetables like broad beans and peas can be sown outdoors under cloches, but most seeds are best started indoors.

2. Is February too early to plant flowers?

Answer: You can sow hardy annuals and prepare for summer blooms by starting seeds indoors.

3. What should I do with my greenhouse in February?

Answer: Use it to start seeds, grow early crops like lettuce, and protect tender plants from frost.

4. Are there fruits to plant in February?

Answer: Yes, strawberries, rhubarb crowns, and dormant fruit bushes or trees can be planted this month.

5. Should I prune in February?

Answer: Yes, February is ideal for pruning fruit trees and roses before the growing season begins.

Conclusion

February is a crucial month for UK gardeners to get a head start on planting. From hardy vegetables to vibrant flowers and robust shrubs, the opportunities are vast. With proper planning and preparation, your garden will thrive as the weather warms, setting the stage for a productive growing season.