February marks the transition from winter’s chill to spring’s approach, opening up a plethora of gardening opportunities. With daylight stretching out before us, gardeners can rejoice as the days grow longer.
February temperatures can be quite erratic, ranging from chilly lows of 0.5C to milder highs of 10C. Now is the perfect time for gardeners to focus on planting flowers to guarantee a vibrant display of colour in their gardens as spring and summer roll around.
Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk offered her key advice for winter planting. She advised: “If you’re looking to plant some bulbs now and get a head start on your gardening, it’s important to know what you can and can’t plant in winter.”
She warned: “Some bulbs simply won’t be able to stand the harsh weather conditions that winter brings, and they won’t be able to bloom.”
Knowledge about which bulbs are suitable for planting now can make all the difference in having a lively garden come springtime, reports the Express.
Lilies
Fiona notes that lily bulbs are relatively tough and can be planted from autumn right through to spring. They thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and love a sunny spot in the garden.
For optimal growth, plant them 15cm to 20cm deep. Fiona also suggests: “If the soil in your garden is heavy or doesn’t drain well, you could plant lily bulbs in a pot or container and create a lovely potted display that you can place on your patio. Potted bulbs can later be planted in borders once they’re established.”
Liatris
Liatris, a resilient type of herbaceous perennial, is excellent for drawing wildlife such as butterflies and bees into your garden. The bulbs produce prominent blooms that eventually cluster together and can then be divided come spring.
Fiona advised: “These bulbs must be planted in well-drained soil and should be located in an area with plenty of light. Plant these bulbs roughly 5cm deep for the best results.”
Daffodils
When it comes to daffodils, the expert recommends plantings in autumn, but states they can also be “planted in January and February and produce gorgeous blooms in spring”. She suggested loosening the soil where possible and sprinkling some fertiliser before placing the bulbs on top of the soil.
It’s important not to press them into the soil, which could harm the bulb. Once the bulbs are positioned, they should be covered with about two to four inches of mulch or finished compost, which ought to be renewed frequently to enhance the chances of the flowers blooming.