🌱 February Garden Jobs in Scotland
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As winter begins to ease and daylight slowly returns, February is a great month to prepare your garden for the growing season ahead. While the weather can still be cold and wet in Scotland, there’s plenty to do to get ahead of spring. Here’s your monthly guide to the top gardening jobs in February.
🌿 1. Pruning Time
February is ideal for pruning many shrubs and climbers while they’re still dormant.
Do this now:
Apple & pear trees – open up the centre to improve airflow.
Roses – prune hybrid teas and floribundas down to healthy buds.
Summer-flowering shrubs (e.g., buddleia, tamarisk) – cut back hard to encourage a strong flush of flowers.
Climbing plants – tidy and tie in last year’s growth.
Tip: Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs until after they’ve bloomed.
🍃 2. Feed Your Soil
Now’s the time to improve soil structure and nutrition.
Tasks:
Apply well-rotted compost or garden manure to beds and borders.
Spread a light layer of general fertiliser on veg plots (avoid direct contact with roots).
Mulch around shrubs to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
🌷 3. Sow Under Cover
If you have a heated greenhouse, cold frame, or window sill:
Start sowing:
Sweet peas – soak seeds overnight; sow in modules.
Onions & leeks – in seed trays to get a head-start.
Early salads – like lettuce and rocket in a cold frame.
Herbs – parsley and basil in a warm spot.
🌼 4. Watch the Weather & Protect Plants
Scotland’s February weather can still be harsh.
Protect from frost:
Cover tender plants with fleece on cold nights.
Move pots and containers to sheltered spots.
🌦 5. Early Weeding & Clearing
While the soil is workable (and before weeds really take off):
Pull any persistent winter weeds.
Clear debris from borders to reduce pests and diseases.
Tidy paths and patios – moss removal improves safety and appearance.
🌱 6. Lawn Care Basics
Lawn maintenance can begin now if conditions allow.
Tasks:
Rake out winter debris and moss.
Avoid heavy use of wet lawns to prevent compaction.
Plan lawn fertilising and aeration for early spring.
🌻 7. Plan Your Planting
Use the quieter month to plan the year ahead:
Sketch out veg bed rotations.
Order seeds and bulbs (like early onions, carrots, peas, and hardy lettuces).
Research new shrubs and perennials to enhance colour in summer and autumn.
❄ Weather Watch
With unpredictable Scottish weather, always check frost warnings before working outside, and choose calmer, drier days for heavier tasks.
📌 Quick Checklist: February Garden Jobs
✔ Prune shrubs & fruit trees✔ Prepare soil with compost and mulch✔ Sow seeds under cover✔ Protect plants from frost✔ Weed borders & tidy paths✔ Light lawn care only✔ Plan your 2026 garden projects
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