Here are some jobs that will get your garden in good nick for the season ahead. Plus, a great competition from our columnist Leonie Cornelius
Thankfully January is behind us and the stretch in the evenings is tangible. After a winter of hibernating, embrace the daylight hours and start some prep work in your garden now to get ready for spring. It may still be cold but don’t let that stop you from getting outside. Here are some ways to ensure your garden thrives this year, with tips from our expert gardener, Lily Champ.
Lily’s garden tips for February:
- Get organised
Our gardening columnist Lily sees February as a time to plan your garden for the year ahead.
“Very little can be done as regards digging, as it is too early to sow anything yet. Even though February is the first month of spring, there is still winter in the air,” she says.
Make a list of what seeds you need now, and make a plan to use your space well, so you’re ready to go when the weather is right.
- Start inside
Lily recommends sowing some seeds indoors, such as tomatoes as they need heat to get started. In her bountiful garden, she sows Moneymaker tomatoes, which produce large fruit and ripen early. Cherry tomatoes produce lots of fruit from July to October.
In our current issue, Lily shares some tips for beginners who want to start sowing their own vegetables this year. You don’t have to wait for summer months, as some plants do well in colder weather.
- Create some joy
For some colour, why not plant a spring window box? Lily suggests pairing some primrose or dwarf tulips with hyacinths for a pleasant perfume.
Win a gardening course for a loved one
Our columnist, award-winning garden designer Leonie Cornelius, is asking readers to nominate a frontline worker who deserves to win a place on her fun online course. Three lucky winners will get to join the course, where they will get to discover how to make their gardens a personal haven for relaxation, recuperation and joy.
The course runs on Saturday, 13 February. To enter, visit Leonie’s Instagram page @Leonie.cornelius.
