February in the Garden
February often feels like the turning point: daylight is noticeably longer, bulbs begin to emerge and birds become more active, yet cold winds and hard frosts remain possible. Soil may still be too wet to cultivate, particularly on clay. Make progress in short bursts when conditions allow, concentrating on preparation, pruning and the first protected sowings rather than trying to start everything outdoors.
What to sow & plant in February
Continue chitting seed potatoes, keeping the strongest shoots upright in egg trays or shallow boxes. Sow broad beans and sweet peas in module trays in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, and start tomatoes and chillies under warmth towards the end of the month. Sow lettuce, spinach, radish and early carrots under cloches or in a polytunnel. Plant bare-root fruit, roses and hedging before growth starts. If soil is workable, set out shallots, garlic and onion sets in a sunny, well-drained bed.
Garden jobs for February
Prepare seedbeds only when soil crumbles easily rather than smearing under your boots. Spread compost over vegetable beds, mulch fruit trees and top up containers with fresh compost. Finish winter pruning apples and pears, then prune autumn-fruiting raspberries by cutting old canes to ground level. Prune deciduous hedges before nesting activity begins, where appropriate. Clean the greenhouse, wash seed trays and repair supports. Protect emerging shoots from slugs and check stored dahlia tubers for rot before starting them into growth later.
Northern England & Scotland
Northern and Scottish gardens can remain frozen or waterlogged through much of February, so sowing under cover is often more reliable than outdoor planting. Wait for a genuinely workable spell before setting onion sets or preparing beds. Keep fleece and cloches ready for sudden cold. Start tomatoes only if you have enough warmth and light to prevent drawn, weak seedlings.
Southern England
In the mild south, sheltered gardens may support early salad, carrots and broad beans beneath cloches. Garlic, shallots and onion sets can often go in sooner where drainage is good. Even so, avoid being tempted into planting tender crops outside. A late cold spell can damage early growth, so keep fleece nearby and ventilate covered crops on sunny days.
Gardening in February: frequently asked questions
What can I sow or plant in February in the UK?
Continue chitting seed potatoes, keeping the strongest shoots upright in egg trays or shallow boxes.
What garden jobs are there in February?
Prepare seedbeds only when soil crumbles easily rather than smearing under your boots.
What is different in northern Britain in February?
Northern and Scottish gardens can remain frozen or waterlogged through much of February, so sowing under cover is often more reliable than outdoor planting.
Timing varies with the season and your local conditions; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.