Potting Shed Moments with Lizzie from The Rose Press Garden | February

Spring is definitely on its way as we start to see snowdrops and daffodils peek out of the soil.

February may be a quiet month for some, but it is a busy month for gardeners. The days are getting longer and we can finally start sowing more flower seeds.

Here’s Lizzie with her gardening tips for the month of February |

Sow flower & vegetable seeds that can be sown in February. I love sowing Cosmos, Lavender seeds, Phlox and Asters at this time of year. Ensure you keep them under cover on a warm sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse to protect them from frost.

Lift & divide Snowdrops still in the green if you want to move them or create more plants in areas of your garden. These will naturalise meaning they will reproduce and spread through the garden over many years.

Mulch borders and trees with well rotted manure or garden compost. Mulching is simply adding a layer of organic matter- this helps suppress weeds, adds nutrients and ensures the moisture is kept in the ground before the warm weather begins in Spring.

Wash empty pots with hot water and a mild detergent (fairy liquid is a good shout). We do this to prevent any diseases or pests spreading to our new seedlings. A slightly arduous job, but it makes all the difference!

Consider buying a water butt ahead of the hot Summer months.

Clear guttering from Greenhouses and sheds. Compost any leaves that are in your guttering- these will break down and add a lot of nutrients.

Cut down any ornamental grasses left standing over Winter. Look up each variety to ensure you're cutting back the right varieties.

If the ground isn't frozen, now is a good time to dig up and divide perennials. Ensure you leave plenty of space around the perennials so that you dig up all their roots when you're moving them.

Trim back ivy, Virginia creeper and other climbers if they have outgrown their space, before birds start nesting for Spring.

Add slow release fertiliser around the base of Roses. This will make a huge difference to your flowers in the summer- roses are very hungry plants that loves as many nutrients as possible. You can buy slow release granule fertiliser- try and look for an organic one if possible... and if in doubt, some well rotted manure always does the trick! (Choose well rotted manure as it is high in nitrogen and if you don't let it rot then it can scorch the plants)

Enjoy your February garden and enjoy seeing the first signs of Spring!

Lizzie at The Rose Press garden