Gardening Tips for February: How to Use Biochar to Prepare Your Garden for Spring
February marks the final stretch of winter, and though the days are still cold, there’s an exciting sense of transition in the air. Spring is just around the corner, making this the perfect time to prepare your garden for the busy growing season ahead. Whether it’s improving your soil with biochar or tackling key maintenance tasks, February is full of opportunities to set your garden up for success.
What Can Be Done in the Garden in February with Biochar
Add Biochar Around Recently Pruned Trees
If you read our January blog, you’ll know that pruning fruit trees was a key gardening task for the month. If you didn’t get round to it, don’t worry, February is still a great time to prune fruit and ornamental trees to encourage healthy growth before spring arrives. Once you've finished pruning, apply biochar around the base of these trees. Spread a thin layer across the soil surface and it will naturally integrate with your soil over time or mix it into the top few inches of soil to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability.
February is also an ideal time to plant bare-root fruit bushes, trees, and canes. When planting, mix biochar into the planting hole to enhance soil structure and support strong root establishment. This will help your new plants thrive as the growing season begins.
Dividing Snowdrops and Winter Aconites
After snowdrops and winter aconites have finished flowering, it’s a great time to divide their large clumps to help them spread and create new colonies in your garden. Gently lift the bulbs and carefully separate them, ensuring each division has some roots attached. Replant them in a new spot where you’d like to expand your spring displays. When replanting, consider mixing biochar into the soil. Biochar helps improve soil structure by enhancing drainage and moisture retention, and it can support better root development by providing a stable environment. Additionally, its slow-release properties help feed the plants over time, ensuring that your newly planted snowdrops and winter aconites thrive and establish themselves in their new locations.
Refer back to January Advice
If you read our January blog, you’ll know that biochar can also be used to enhance mulch and prepare raised beds or vegetable plots. These tasks remain relevant in February, so if you didn’t get round to them last month, now’s your chance. By mixing biochar into mulch or incorporating it into your raised beds, you’ll continue to improve soil health and set the stage for healthy plant growth.
Other Jobs to Do in the Garden in February
Renovate Overgrown Hedges
February is a good time to prune overgrown hedges before new growth begins. Be sure to remove dead wood and shape them carefully, ensuring plenty of light can reach the plants. Regular pruning now will promote healthier, denser growth as the season progresses.
Organise Your Seeds
Take some time this month to sort through your seed collection and organise them by sowing date. Check for expired seeds and make a note of what you need to replenish. Planning ahead will make the busy spring planting season much smoother. You can also get ready for seed planting buy picking up a bag of our biochar compost mix for seeds, which been carefully curated to give your seedlings the best start in their (hopeful) long life!
Pull Up Perennial Weeds
Get a head start on weeds by pulling up any perennials before they start growing again. Focus on removing the entire root system to prevent regrowth. Clearing these now, whilst there isn’t as much to do in the garden, will save you time and effort later in the year.
Wildlife Care
February is also an important month for supporting garden wildlife. One simple yet effective task is setting up bird feeders and placing them in sheltered spots around your garden. This will attract blue tits, who will not only brighten up your garden but also help control overwintering pests.
Additionally, now is a great time to clear out bird boxes to remove old nesting material and debris. This will make them more inviting for birds looking for a safe place to nest as spring approaches. If possible, position the bird box facing north-east, as this provides protection from harsh afternoon sun and prevailing winds while still allowing gentle morning sunlight, creating a more comfortable and welcoming environment for nesting birds.
As we move through February, it's the perfect time to prepare your garden for the upcoming growing season. By incorporating biochar into key tasks, such as pruning trees, planting bare-root plants, and dividing bulbs, you'll enhance soil health and encourage strong plant growth. Don't forget to address other important jobs like pruning hedges, organising seeds, and caring for wildlife to ensure your garden thrives. With a little preparation now, you’ll set your garden up for a vibrant and successful spring.
