The Coastal Gardener: February

This time of the year is one of deep relaxation – in terms of gardening, anyway. Simply because there’s so little to do. I tend to think of it as being like the backwash of a wave; it’s slid down the beach as far as it can go, then there is a moment of stillness before it begins its inexorable climb back up again. In the same respect, February is the end of the winter but not quite the beginning of the spring. Everything is lying silently in wait, ready for the first inkling of milder weather.

EARLY SHOOTS
There are, however, the few fearless species that show themselves early. Plants like witch hazel (Hamamelis) and Forsythia glow bright yellow with flowers and give off spicy but subtle scents. Crocuses poke their noses above the soil and grace our gardens with a riot of early colour. But generally this is a time for thickening buds and tentative shoots.

All this means that you can enjoy a little rest. I like to go on a few shopping trips – garden centres and nurseries tend to be quiet at this time and it is well worth snapping up any of the remnants of last year’s stock before the rush.

START TO SOW
For the more self-motivated, there are little jobs around the garden that can be done – the main one being a spring clean. This will help take the pressure off during the spring. Pick up leaves, chop back the remaining herbaceous perennials, empty your compost heaps and add the last of the mulch. Do all those little bits that get forgotten once the plants demand all our attention.

Finally, begin sewing those all-important annuals that keep a coastal garden going when our perennials take a battering from the elements. Sweet peas, snapdragons, and pelargoniums can all be sown now. In terms of fruit and veg, now is the perfect time to start your cucumbers and tomatoes (as long as you keep them in the warm), your leeks, summer brassicas and celeriac.

Keep up to date with Frances' monthly coastal gardening column in the magazine or browse more nature stories here.