There’s never a time in the year when a keen gardener can remain idle, even during the chilly days of February. The fruit garden in particular demands some attention, so there’s lots to keep you busy before the spring gets in full swing.
A cover up
You can add netting to any fruit plants to keep unwanted birds at bay, and strawberries can be coved with cloches to increase the chances of early cropping.
Fruit trees and bushes
You can apply an appropriate, potassium-rich fertiliser to fruit bushes, while trees can be mulched with compost or manure.
Stone fruit
Flowers on peach, apricot and nectarine trees should be protected from frost, but do ensure the blossom can be accessed by pollinating insects. Plum, apricot and cherry trees should not yet be pruned, however, as doing so at this point can encourage Silver Leaf disease.
Raspberries
Raspberry canes can still be cut to the ground at this late stage, to encourage the growth of new canes that will bear fruit in the autumn. Any varieties that fruit in summer, and have grown above their supports, can also be cut to just above the buds.
Currants and gooseberries
Blackcurrant and redcurrant bushes, as well as gooseberries, can be pruned in order to maintain productivity.
Apples and pears
February is the last chance to prune back pear and apple trees, before they begin their productive cycle.
Rhubarb
Plants can be forced during February to ensure an early crop of rhubarb.
