February - an overview
Any
soil that has not been dug over in the winter months needs to
be finished off as soon as possible. This is a good time to get
the soil ready for planting and sowing. Fork out any perennial
weeds, removing all the root system to prevent re-growth. If you
are growing potatoes, dig the trenches and line with manure. If
you intend growing carrot, make sure the soil is dug well and
no stones in the ground which can cause the vegetable to divide.
It is worth adding sand to any heavy clay to help with this. If
you have had problem with carrot fly, consider making a low barrier
from clear plastic about a foot off the ground surrounding the
area where the carrots will grow.
Crops such as courgette, marrow,
pumpkin; you can dig out a spade of soil, add some manure and
replace the soil so you have a mound. It's also worth putting
in a short length of pipe such as old plastic downpipe, about
6" - 1ft long, place some grit in the bottom of the soil,
put pipe in and cover with remaining soil. If you get a dry spell
then you can pour water down the tube which will go straight to
the root system of the plant.
You will need to consider adding fertilizer to the soil to ensure
there is enough NPK (Nitrogen Phosphorus, Potassium) in the soil
for the growing season. It's worth look for products that are
organic, chicken manure and seaweed extract are popular choices.
Add fertilizer to the ground as needed and rake the soil over
to a fine tilth. If there are any warm spells watch out for annual
weed seed germinating and hoe off.
Put cloches out to warm the soil. If the weather is mild you can
try sowing vegetables such as pea, broad bean, turnip and beetroot
under them.
Now is a good time to sow indoor winter plants such as sprout,
kale, cabbage, leek, and keep inside ready for planting out in
June/July, when space is available. They are a valuable winter
crop as they will stand in the ground until the following spring
when warmer weather will cause them to bolt.
Sow summer cabbage and cauliflower indoors for planting out in
mid April
If you have a greenhouse it's a good time to clean out ready for
the new season.
Key dates:
If you have any advice or tips about gardening relating to
this month contact us and if suitable will add to the page - please
local to Haworth and the surrounding area only.
