{"id":1003,"date":"2026-01-10T11:59:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T10:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/?p=1003"},"modified":"2026-01-10T12:18:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T11:18:29","slug":"gardening-tasks-for-late-january-and-early-february","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/gardening-tasks-for-late-january-and-early-february\/","title":{"rendered":"Gardening tasks for Late January and Early February"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2026\/01\/chit_potatoes.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1005\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2026\/01\/chit_potatoes.jpg 650w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2026\/01\/chit_potatoes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2026\/01\/chit_potatoes-520x347.jpg 520w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2026\/01\/chit_potatoes-320x214.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Chitting Potatoes for an early crop <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">January <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winter Pruning &#8211; Fruit Trees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete pruning of apple, cherry, pear, and plum trees before buds break<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shape the canopy for good air circulation (helps prevent future mildew issues)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/fruit-garden\/environmentally-friendly-pest-control-for-fruit-trees\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/fruit-garden\/environmentally-friendly-pest-control-for-fruit-trees\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Apple Tree Hygiene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply winter tar wash (Vitax Winter Tree Wash) to apple trees to reduce pest eggs and lingering mildew spores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This should be done on a dry, mild day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/vitax-yellow-sulphur-powder\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/vitax-yellow-sulphur-powder\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Raised Bed Maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply winter wash to raised bed frames to eliminate overwintering pest eggs and mildew spores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean and inspect greenhouse structures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rose Pruning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prune roses back to outward-facing buds, removing about one-third of growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut back to healthy wood (white\/green inside, not brown)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove any remaining black spot affected leaves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=rose+black+spot\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=rose+black+spot<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mid-February<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vegetable Sowing &#8211; Under Cover<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Broad beans<\/strong>: Sow in deep pots or modules for planting out in March<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early peas<\/strong>: Sow in guttering or deep trays indoors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Onions<\/strong>: Start onion sets in modules if not already done<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Garlic<\/strong>: Check garlic planted in autumn is establishing well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leeks<\/strong>: Start leeks from seed in seed trays using Coco Coir compost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/grow-your-own-fruit-veg\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/grow-your-own-fruit-veg\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Salad Crops<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lettuce<\/strong>: Sow early varieties indoors in modules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spinach<\/strong>: Direct sow under cloches or in cold frame if weather permits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Radish<\/strong>: Quick-growing crop &#8211; sow successionally in greenhouse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Herb Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check on rosemary, sage, and oregano &#8211; trim any frost-damaged shoots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pot up some mint in containers to control spread before spring growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Compost Bay Setup<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Continue building compost bays from builders&#8217; pallets (as per garden report recommendations)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feed existing compost heap with Growmore fertilizer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember: No mildewed material in compost &#8211; bin it instead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/organic-grow-your-own\/how-to-make-great-compost\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/organic-grow-your-own\/how-to-make-great-compost\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Late February<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Greenhouse Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clean greenhouse glass to maximize light for spring growing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check and repair any damaged panes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up grape vine training wires if not already done<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/fruit-garden\/how-to-growing-a-grape-vine-in-a-cold-glasshouse-in-the-uk\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/fruit-garden\/how-to-growing-a-grape-vine-in-a-cold-glasshouse-in-the-uk\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vegetable Bed Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Begin preparing vegetable beds by adding garden loam to improve soil structure (helps prevent mildew)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove any winter weeds before they set seed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply Growmore fertilizer to beds at one handful per square metre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover with cardboard in areas where you&#8217;ll plant later (prevents weed germination)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Potato Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potatoes<\/strong>: Chit seed potatoes indoors in egg boxes or trays in a light, frost-free place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First earlies should have good shoots by late February<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Greenhouse Sowing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tomatoes<\/strong>: Sow seeds in Coco Coir compost for greenhouse planting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Peppers &amp; Chilies<\/strong>: Start seeds indoors in propagator or warm windowsill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aubergines<\/strong>: Sow in modules with heat (18-21\u00b0C)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basil<\/strong>: Start early sowings for greenhouse growing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sweet Pea Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you want sweet peas, sow now in deep pots (root trainers ideal)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place in cold frame or unheated greenhouse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ornamental Garden Tasks &#8211; Throughout February<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Front Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check climbing hydrangea (<em>Hydrangea petiolaris<\/em>) &#8211; pin back any loose stems to wall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/pruning-hydrangea-petiolaris-on-garden-wall\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/pruning-hydrangea-petiolaris-on-garden-wall\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lavender Care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tidy lavender plants but don&#8217;t prune hard yet &#8211; wait until after last frost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/gardening-tips-pruning-lavender\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/gardening-tips-pruning-lavender\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Philadelphus Pruning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If Philadelphus needs thinning, late winter is the time to remove old wood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=pruning+philadelphus\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=pruning+philadelphus<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Euonymus Check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inspect <em>Euonymus<\/em> under the tree for any reversion (plain green shoots)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut out any reverted growth to prevent it taking over<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=euonymus+reversion\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=euonymus+reversion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mulching Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Order spent mushroom compost or well-rotted manure for spring mulching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have cardboard ready for weed suppression around new plantings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember: Don&#8217;t use spent mushroom compost around acid-loving plants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pest &amp; Disease Management &#8211; Throughout February<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mildew Prevention Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Continue implementing the mildew management plan:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure good soil structure improvements are ongoing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have Vitax Yellow Sulphur ready for first sign of mildew in spring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dispose of any remaining mildewed plant material from last season (bin, don&#8217;t compost)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/vitax-yellow-sulphur-powder\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/vitax-yellow-sulphur-powder\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Slug Control Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Order slug nematodes ready for application before spring planting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply to soil 6 weeks before sowing or planting vulnerable crops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/natural-slug-control-with-nematodes\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/natural-slug-control-with-nematodes\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pheromone Trap Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Order codling moth pheromone traps ready to install in March\/April<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/fruit-garden\/environmentally-friendly-pest-control-for-fruit-trees\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-how-to\/fruit-garden\/environmentally-friendly-pest-control-for-fruit-trees\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>General Maintenance &#8211; Throughout February<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Watering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check greenhouse plants need watering (less frequent in winter)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refill watering cans so water can warm to room temperature before use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=watering+cans\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/?s=watering+cans<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tool Maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clean and sharpen secateurs and pruning saws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oil tool blades to prevent rust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check irrigation system components are ready for spring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Planning Tasks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review companion planting plan for vegetable garden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan where to position nasturtium and calendula for pest control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More info: <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/what-is-companion-planting\/\">https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/gardening-tips\/what-is-companion-planting\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wildlife Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep bird feeders topped up during cold weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure wildlife pond (if installed) has an ice-free area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave some areas undisturbed for overwintering beneficial insects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>February Vegetable Sowing &amp; Planting Schedule<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on Ali&#8217;s fruit and vegetable list, here are the priority crops for February:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Under Cover (Greenhouse\/Windowsill):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tomatoes (late February)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peppers &amp; Capsicum peppers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chilies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aubergines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cucumbers (very late February if heated)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coriander<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lettuce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Onions (from sets)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peas (in guttering)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Could Start if Conditions Allow:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kale (hardy varieties)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spinach (under cover)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radish (quick crop in greenhouse)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Preparation for March Planting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Potatoes (chitting)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broad beans (in pots)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spring onions (prepare site)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chitting Potatoes for an early crop January Winter Pruning &#8211; Fruit Trees Apple Tree Hygiene Raised Bed Maintenance Rose Pruning Mid-February Vegetable Sowing &#8211; Under Cover Early Salad Crops Herb Preparation Compost Bay Setup&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1005,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-your-gardening-tasks"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1003"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/ali\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}