Jobs in the Garden: February 2026

As winter begins to slowly release its grip and the days lengthen, February signals the final stretch before the start of the growing season. While it’s still a quiet time in the garden, February offers a crucial opportunity to prepare your outdoor space for the spring months ahead. Here’s a guide to the essential gardening tasks you should focus on during February in the UK.

1. Prune Trees and Shrubs

February is the perfect time to prune certain trees and shrubs before the growing season begins. Deciduous trees and woody shrubs, such as roses, can be pruned now to encourage healthy growth in the spring. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood and cut back stems that are crossing or overcrowding. If you’re pruning roses, make sure to prune to just above a bud facing outwards to help promote strong growth. Always use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts and prevent disease.

2. Plant Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs

February is the best time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs, as they are dormant during this period. Bare-root plants are typically more affordable and easier to handle than container-grown specimens, and planting them in February allows them to establish roots before the growing season kicks in. Whether you're adding fruit trees, roses, or hedging plants, ensure the soil is prepared well by digging a hole large enough to accommodate the root system and enriching the soil with organic matter if needed.

3. Start Preparing Your Vegetable Plot

Now is the time to start preparing your vegetable plot for planting in the coming months. Clear away any weeds or plant debris that may have built up over the winter, and turn the soil to improve aeration and drainage. If the soil is still too wet to dig, wait for drier conditions, as working in waterlogged soil can damage its structure. Consider applying well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil before planting your early crops.

4. Start Seeds Indoors

February is the perfect time to start sowing seeds indoors for plants that need a longer growing season. Tomatoes, peppers, chillies, and aubergines can be started now in a warm, sunny spot or under grow lights. Similarly, you can start herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander indoors to get a head start on the growing season. Ensure you have good seed trays, pots, and a heated propagator or windowsill to help encourage germination.

5. Tidy Up the Garden

Even though it’s still cold outside, February is a great time to tidy up the garden in preparation for the new season. Remove any fallen leaves, old plant material, and dead flowers to reduce the risk of diseases such as mildew or rust. Take a look at your borders and beds to see if any plants need support or staking to keep them upright during the spring and summer months. Also, check any garden furniture and sheds for damage that may need repair before the busy season begins.

6. Maintain Garden Structures

Check the structural elements of your garden, including fences, trellises, and arches, to ensure they’re still sturdy after the winter storms. If necessary, make repairs or reinforce them before plants begin to grow again. For structures that support climbing plants, such as trellises or pergolas, now is a good time to give them a fresh coat of paint or wood preservative to protect them from the elements and ensure they last through the growing season.

7. Feed the Birds and Wildlife

Birds and other wildlife need your help to survive the colder months, and February can be a particularly tough time. Keep bird feeders well-stocked with seeds, nuts, and suet cakes, and ensure there’s fresh water available every day. If you’re lucky enough to have hedgehogs in your garden, leave piles of leaves or logs for them to shelter in and consider leaving out special hedgehog food. By helping wildlife now, you'll encourage a healthy ecosystem in your garden come spring.

8. Check for Pests and Diseases

Even in winter, pests and diseases can affect your plants. Check for any signs of aphids, slugs, or other pests that may be overwintering in your garden. Look under plant debris, around the base of trees, and inside greenhouses. If you spot pests, remove them manually or use eco-friendly pest control methods. Additionally, take a close look at your plants for any early signs of fungal diseases like powdery mildew or blackspot, which can spread quickly in the spring if not dealt with.

9. Plan for Spring Planting

February is an ideal time to start thinking about your spring planting. Take stock of your garden and decide what you want to plant in the coming months. You can order seeds, bulbs, or plants in advance, especially for early spring bloomers like crocuses, daffodils, and tulips. Consider creating a planting schedule, so you know exactly when to sow seeds or plant new additions to your garden. Organising your plan now means less rushing when the weather warms up.

10. Protect Vulnerable Plants

Although winter is almost over, February can still bring cold snaps. Make sure that any tender plants are well protected from frost and low temperatures. Continue to cover sensitive plants with fleece, cloches, or mulch, especially during particularly cold spells. Potted plants should be brought into a sheltered spot or moved indoors, if possible, to avoid frost damage.

Conclusion

February might be cold, but it’s an important month for preparing your garden for the growing season. By pruning trees and shrubs, starting seeds indoors, tidying up the garden, and planning for spring, you’ll ensure that your garden is ready to flourish when the weather warms up. Take advantage of the quiet winter months to set yourself up for a productive, vibrant garden in the months ahead. A little effort now will result in a thriving outdoor space when spring arrives.