Gardening Jobs in February

05/02/2026

Essential Gardening Jobs to Do in February: Prep for a Vibrant Spring

February might still feel like winter, but it is a critical month for any gardener. As days lengthen and the soil slowly warms, the work you do now sets the foundation for a healthy, productive year.

Whether you're eager to get outside or just want to stay ahead of the curve, here are the top gardening tasks for February.

1. Finish Your Winter Pruning

February is your last window to prune many plants before they enter their spring growth spurt.

• Fruit Trees: Prune apple and pear trees while they are still dormant.

• Roses: Cut back rose bushes to encourage strong, vigorous new stems.

• General Maintenance: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches from shrubs.

Pro Tip: Ensure your tools are sharp and clean to prevent plant damage and the spread of disease.

2. Prepare Vegetable Beds

Successful harvests start with great soil. Even if you aren't planting yet, focus on soil preparation:

• Clear out lingering weeds and old crop debris.

• Dig over beds to improve drainage and aerate the soil.

• Work in well-rotted manure or compost to boost nutrient levels for the coming season.

3. Start Sowing Seeds Indoors

Beat the frost by starting tender crops under cover. A sunny windowsill or a heated propagator is perfect for:

• Slow-growers: Chillies, peppers, and aubergines.

• Summer staples: Tomatoes.

• Quick wins: Early lettuce and hardy herbs.

4. Check and Service Garden Equipment

Don't wait for the first grass cut to realize your mower won't start.

• Service machinery: Check fuel, oil, and spark plugs on petrol tools.

• Sharpen tools: Give your secateurs and mower blades a fresh edge.

• Inventory: Make sure you have enough twine, pots, and labels for spring.

5. Protect Tender Plants from Frost

February "fill-dyke" can bring sudden cold snaps. Keep your garden safe by:

• Using horticultural fleece on tender plants during frosty nights.

• Moving containers to sheltered spots or closer to house walls for warmth.

• Avoiding frozen lawns: Walking on frosted grass can break the blades and leave brown footprints later on.

6. Plant Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs

As long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged, February is the ideal time to plant bare-root stock. It's cost-effective and helps plants establish deep roots.

• Fruit trees and hedging.

• Bare-root roses.

7. Tidy Borders and Paths

A quick cleanup now prevents a mountain of work in March.

• Cut back old perennial growth left over from winter.

• Clear moss and algae from paths to prevent slippery surfaces.

• Remove fallen leaves that may be harboring pests.

Final Thoughts: Planning for Success

February is as much about the mind as it is about the soil. Use rainy days to plan your crop rotation, order your seeds early to avoid sell-outs, and map out your garden layout.

By taking advantage of these dry February days, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when spring finally arrives.