All through this month there is plenty to do to prepare your garden for spring
TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS
- There is still time to plant lily bulbs in borders and containers.
- Start dahlia tubers into growth. Plant up in a shallow tray of potting compost in a light , warm place. When roots reach 2 to 3 cmsdivide the tubers, pot up again and grow in frost free conditions until ready to plant out in early June.
- Start feeding roses. You can use a general purpose or rose fertiliser later this month.
- Prune Wisteria by cutting back sideshoots and shortening the summer pruned shoots to just 2 or 3 buds.
- Remove old stems completely from herbaceous perennials as new growth starts to emerge.
- Lawns may need mowing soon.Use a high setting and avoid frosty or damp conditions.
- Continue to deadhead winter bedding such as pansies.
- Sow sweet peas on a windowsill or cool greenhouse.
FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND HERBS
- Prune autumn fruiting raspberries right down to the ground.
- Apply a general purpose fertiliser to tree, bush and cane fruit.
- Plant bare root cane fruit.
- Sow tomatoes and cucumber for cultivation under glass in a warm bright place. For crops to go outdoors sow in March.
- Chit seed potatoes in a light, cool but frost free place
- Thin out overcrowded branches of citrus and prune back straggly branches by up to two thirds.
- Protect flowers of outdoor peaches, nectarines and apricots trees with horticultural fleece.
GREENER GARDENING
- Deciduous hedges should be pruned this month ahead of birds nesting.
- When ordering plants or seeds online use a reputable UK supplier to prevent spreading pests and diseases.
- Now is a good time to install compost bins or bays. Position in partial shade , directly onto soil to allow drainage and access for vital soil organisms.
- Done every few years now ids a good time to coppice hazel producing strong straight stems ideal as bean poles or ornamental climbers.