Preparing Your Garden for the Year Ahead

By Ed Fuller, Fullers Landscaping

February often feels like the long inhale before spring. The days are still short, frosts remain a regular visitor, and here in Lincolnshire the wind rarely follows the forecast—but beneath the surface, the garden is quietly waking up.

This is not a month for dramatic change. Instead, February is about thoughtful preparation. The small, considered jobs you do now lay the groundwork for healthier borders, stronger lawns, and better growth throughout the year ahead.

Subtle Signs of Spring

Although winter still has its hold, daylight is steadily returning. Birds begin scouting for nesting sites, and early bulbs such as snowdrops and winter aconites push through the soil. These are gentle reminders that growth is closer than it seems.

February is the perfect time to take stock of your garden. Look back at what thrived last year, what struggled, and what you’d like to improve. Whether you manage a large rural garden or a compact village plot, planning now always pays dividends later.

Tidy Carefully, Not Completely

It’s tempting to clear everything away at the first hint of sunshine, but try not to do too much too soon. Hollow stems, seedheads, and leaf litter still provide vital shelter for insects and small mammals.

Instead, focus on targeted tidying:

• Cut back dead perennial stems that have collapsed or turned mushy.

• Remove heavy, wet leaves from lawns and paths to prevent mould and slipping hazards.

• Refresh winter containers by clearing spent foliage and checking drainage holes.

Leave borders lightly “messy” until mid-March wherever possible. This supports wildlife and helps maintain a healthier garden ecosystem.

Pruning Jobs for February

February is prime pruning season for many deciduous shrubs and fruit trees. Apples and pears benefit from a late-winter prune, which helps shape their structure and encourages strong, productive growth in spring. Aim for an open, goblet-style shape that allows light and air to circulate.

This is also the right time to hard-prune colourful-stem shrubs such as Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow). Cut them back to low buds once the worst frosts have passed to ensure vibrant new stems next winter.

Avoid pruning stone fruits like cherry, plum, and apricot at this time, as winter cuts can increase the risk of disease. These are best left until summer.

Improving the Soil Without Digging

After months of rain, soil is often heavy and claggy. Digging now can do more harm than good by compacting it further. Instead, spread a generous layer of compost, well-rotted manure, or soil improver over beds and borders.

Worms and weather will work this organic matter into the soil naturally. This no-dig approach improves structure, boosts fertility, and supports healthier root systems.

For vegetable growers, February is also a good time to warm the soil for early sowings. Cloches or clear plastic sheeting placed over prepared beds can help raise soil temperature and protect against excess rain.

Seeds, Lawns, and Looking Ahead

Indoors, seed-sowing season begins in earnest. Chillies, tomatoes, sweet peas, and half-hardy annuals can all be started on a bright windowsill or in a heated propagator. Hold off on outdoor sowing for now—the soil often remains cold well into March—but use this time to plan crop rotation and identify gaps in your summer planting scheme.

Lawns should be treated gently this month. Avoid walking on them when they’re soggy, and if conditions allow, lightly rake away debris and brush off worm casts. A full mow is still some way off, but these small actions help reduce moss and encourage healthier growth later on.

A Month for Patience

February rewards patience, observation, and gentle preparation. It’s a time for gardeners to act as architects—imagining what’s to come and quietly putting the foundations in place.

As spring approaches, a garden that’s been thoughtfully tended now will soon repay you with renewed vigour, colour, and life.