What can you do on your allotment in February?
In February, on your allotment, you can spread manure on established plants like rhubarb, prune trees and bushes, prepare compost heaps, prune fruit trees, remove diseased and crossing branches, prune summer and autumn fruiting raspberries and blackberries, taking out dead wood and managing excessive growth, prune and fertilize gooseberries, mulch areas with cardboard and manure, dig over and cover vegetable patches to manage weed growth, and harvest winter vegetables before they spoil or bolt.
How should you apply fresh manure to plants like rhubarb?
Fresh manure should only be applied to well-established plants like rhubarh. You can simply spread the fresh manure over the plant, which helps fertilize it, promote growth through the warmth of the manure, and suppress weed growth. It's important not to apply it to younger, more delicate plants as it may cause harm.
What should you do when pruning trees and bushes?
When pruning trees and bushes, you should remove any diseased branches, branches that are crossing over or rubbing against each other, and generally trim the plant down to manage its size. For trees, you should look for outside buds and trim down to just above these buds.
How do you manage raspberries and blackberries in February?
For summer fruiting raspberries, remove all dead wood and reduce new growth to ensure the fruit grows to a good size. For blackberries, the process is similar: take out old wood and manage excess branches for optimal fruit production. For both, ensure new growth is promoted and mulch or compost can be added to provide nutrients.
What considerations should be made when laying down cardboard for mulching?
When laying down cardboard for mulching, make sure to remove any plastic or materials that are not biodegradable. The cardboard can be covered with mulch or manure, and it helps suppress weeds and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
Why is it important to harvest winter vegetables in February?
It is important to harvest winter vegetables like kale, chard, leeks, turnips, and parsnips because they will not last much longer into the season. As the weather begins to warm up towards the end of February and start of March, certain vegetables may begin to bolt (flower prematurely) or become tough, so harvesting them timely ensures they are used at their best. Additionally, you need to clear the ground for new plantings.
Can you sow seeds in February, and if so, where should this be done?
Yes, you can sow seeds in February, but it should be done under cover at home due to the outside temperatures. You can start sourcing your seeds, onion sets, and potatoes at this time. There are specific seeds that are suitable to be sown in February, and you can refer to related videos or resources for guidance on what to start at this time.
