Jobs to Do in the Garden in February February sits in that curious in-between season: winter still has its coat on, but spring is already stretching backstage. In the East Midlands, where frosts can linger and cold winds sweep across open landscapes, this is a month for gentle preparation rather than grand gestures. Think of it as laying the groundwork for the gardening year ahead. Pruning and tidying is high on the list. Now is a good time to prune apples and pears while they’re dormant, shaping trees and removing any dead or crossing branches. Roses (except ramblers) can also be tackled this month. Cut back to an outward-facing bud and clear away fallen leaves to reduce the risk of disease. Deciduous shrubs can be tidied too, as long as birds haven’t already claimed them for nesting. Keep an eye on winter damage. Heavy rain and frost can loosen plants, so gently firm them back into the soil if needed. Clear debris from beds and borders, removing weeds before they get ambitious. It’s much easier to deal with them now than in April, when everything else is competing for attention. February is also a prime moment to prepare your soil. If conditions aren’t frozen or waterlogged, spread well-rotted manure or garden compost over borders and vegetable beds. There’s no need to dig it in; worms will do that for you. This quiet feeding sets the stage for stronger growth later on. For vegetable gardeners, this is when optimism begins to sprout. Under cover, you can start sowing hardy crops such as broad beans, lettuce, onions, leeks, and early cabbages. A sunny windowsill or greenhouse works perfectly. Outdoors, only sow if the soil is workable, especially in colder parts of the East Midlands where late frosts are common. Now’s also the time to chit seed potatoes, placing them in a cool, bright spot so sturdy shoots can form before planting next month. Check stored vegetables too, removing anything that’s starting to turn, so rot doesn’t spread. Don’t forget your summer-flowering bulbs and tubers. Dahlias, begonias, and lilies can be potted up indoors to get an early start. Hardy annuals such as sweet peas can also be sown now, giving you stronger plants ready to go out in spring. Wildlife still needs support, so keep bird feeders topped up and water sources ice-free. Early flowering shrubs like camellias, mahonia, and winter honeysuckle provide vital nectar for pollinators emerging on milder days, making them quiet heroes of the late-winter garden. Finally, February is perfect for planning. Take stock of what worked last year, browse seed catalogues, sketch out borders, and dream a little. The garden may look subdued, but beneath the soil, energy is gathering. A few thoughtful jobs now will pay handsome dividends later. February isn’t about rushing the season, it’s about setting the rhythm for the year ahead, one careful cut, sowing tray, and compost layer at a time.