February is the perfect time of year we should all be looking forward to the start of the growing season!
Whether you are thinking of planting seasonal colour or sowing seeds, the choice is endless for you to pick from here at Golden Days. We pride ourselves on offering everything you will need to start your garden.
Now is the time to start chitting your spuds. Chitting or sprouting is the term we use to initiate tuber growth. When your shoots are about 2cm long, then you can think about planting them out.
Sowing Seeds in February
You can start to sow most seeds now, whether they are flower or vegetable seeds. At this time of year (February), I would suggest you sow inside, as the soil is normally too wet and cold unless you have cloches (little tunnels that cover a small area) and have them placed over the soil you want to sow in.
Flower seeds will do best with a little heat, which will significantly help speed up successful germination. As the year progresses, you will be able to sow more of your seeds directly into the soil as the days get longer, and the ground becomes warmer and drier.
What to Plant This Season
Spring Colour Essentials
Seasonal plants like primroses and spring-flowering bulbs are a must for this time of year. Primroses will bring that vibrant splash of colour that we all want to see, either in a container or out in the garden beds. Primrose always reminds us that spring is just around the corner.
Potted Flower Bulbs
Potted bulbs are there just in case you forgot to plant them last autumn. They are also fantastic at instantly brightening up a container display or filling that forgotten corner of the garden that you didn't manage to plant up last year.
Spring Shrubs & Camellias
Some of the best shrubs that are a absolute must for spring are Camellias. These are fantastic small trees that will flower every spring with bright pink, red, white, and even striking bicolour flowers that are always highly popular at this time of year.
Witch Hazel & Early Bees
Hamamelis (Witch hazel) are currently in full flower, and their distinct yellow blooms carry a lovely scent which, on warm days, provides vital food for any early foraging bees that are out and about.
Looking slightly ahead, in March we will see the beautiful start of the Rhododendron flowers appearing, and then it is a complete free-for-all as to which specific colour and size of flower you like best. March is also a prime time to get your young vegetable plants bought and ready for growth!