February
Late Winter This falls in February most years, often bringing the worst weather, hardest frosts and heavy snows, use every mild day wisely. OUTDOORS
- Check fences, tree straps, ties and stakes after each gale
- Stick canes around emerging bulbs and plants so you see where not to stand in case of snow
- When ground is workable plant out hardy trees and shrubs that missed autumn planting
- After hard frosts re-firm roots of autumn plantings
- Do major pruning work missed earlier but do not touch stone fruits or evergreens unless damaged by winter storms
- Stretch cotton over crocus flowers to thwart the birds
- Mark congested clumps of snowdrops, and other early bulbs, for lifting and dividing after the flowers finish
- Make sure no weeds are getting away, they pull up easily at this time, stinging nettles come out like magic right now- pull furthest runners first
- Spread loose mulches under and around everything, preferably immediately after a period of heavy rain
- Try hoeing as the top surface melts after a long hard frost- the weeds are held fast and slice off cleanly (Only works in stone free soil or with a hoeing mulch of sand)
- Spread sharp sand on mossy/algae/weed infested stepping stones and paving so they wear clean, and are less slippery.
- Over-sow balding and worn spots in grass swards, ideally -with a fork make many wee holes first then brush the seed in with a stiff broom