As February draws to a close, the first signs of spring start to appear—longer days, milder temperatures, and the first buds on trees and shrubs. Now is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for the season ahead. By taking action now, you’ll ensure your outdoor space is in the best possible condition when spring fully arrives.
At All Seasons Garden Maintenance, we’ve put together this essential end-of-February gardening guide to help you get your garden in shape for the months ahead.
1. Tidy Up Winter Debris
Winter often leaves behind fallen leaves, broken branches, and general garden debris. Before you start any planting or soil preparation, take time to:
- Rake up leaves and twigs to allow sunlight to reach the soil
- Clear out dead plants from borders and flower beds
- Sweep patios, pathways, and decking to remove moss and dirt
This simple tidy-up will instantly refresh your garden and prepare the ground for new growth.
2. Prune and Trim for Healthy Growth
Late winter is the best time to prune deciduous trees, shrubs, and certain perennials before they start their spring growth.
- Cut back dead or damaged branches on trees and shrubs
- Trim hedges to encourage dense, healthy growth
- Prune late-flowering shrubs, such as buddleia and hydrangeas
If you have roses, now is the time to prune them back to encourage strong, healthy blooms later in the year.
3. Start Preparing the Soil
Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. After months of wet, cold weather, it’s important to revitalise your soil before planting begins.
- Loosen compacted soil by turning it over with a garden fork
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich nutrients
- Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
For vegetable patches, consider adding organic matter or slow-release fertilisers to give your crops the best start.
4. Start Sowing Seeds Indoors
Although the weather is still unpredictable, February is the ideal time to start growing seeds indoors. This gives plants a head start, ready to be transferred outside in spring.
- Start hardy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, leeks, and onions
- Sow flower seeds indoors, including marigolds, sweet peas, and petunias
- Use seed trays or pots placed on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse
By the time April arrives, your seedlings will be strong enough to plant out in your garden.
5. Lawn Care: The First Mow of the Year
As the weather begins to warm up, lawns will start growing again. If the grass is looking long and untidy, you can give it a light mow, but only on a dry day when the ground isn’t too wet.
- Set the mower to a high setting to avoid stressing the grass
- Remove moss and thatch with a rake to improve airflow
- Repair bare patches by reseeding affected areas
Regular mowing will begin in March and April, but this first trim helps wake up the lawn after winter dormancy.
6. Encourage Wildlife Into Your Garden
Late winter is a crucial time for garden wildlife, as natural food sources are still scarce. You can support birds, bees, and other beneficial creatures by:
- Leaving some seed heads and plant cover for shelter
- Providing fresh water in birdbaths or shallow dishes
- Adding a bug hotel or log pile to encourage insects
As flowers begin to bloom in early spring, you’ll also notice more bees and pollinators returning to your garden.
7. Plan Your Spring Planting
Now is a great time to plan what you want to grow in your garden over the coming months. Whether you’re aiming for a colourful flower display or a productive vegetable garden, thinking ahead ensures you’re ready to plant at the right time.
- Choose flowers that will provide colour from spring to summer
- Plan vegetable patches based on what grows well in your soil type
- Consider companion planting to naturally deter pests
If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants, options like lavender, geraniums, and hardy perennials are perfect for Surrey gardens.
8. Clean and Maintain Garden Tools
Before the busiest gardening months begin, take time to clean and organise your tools.
- Sharpen secateurs, shears, and mower blades for precision cutting
- Oil wooden handles to prevent splitting
- Check garden hoses and watering cans for leaks
Well-maintained tools will make gardening much easier and ensure your plants receive the best care.
9. Tackle Early Weeds Before They Spread
Weeds start appearing as temperatures rise, so getting rid of them now will save you time later. Hand-pull weeds from borders and flower beds, or use a hoe to break them up in vegetable patches. Adding mulch can also help suppress new growth.
10. Book Professional Garden Maintenance
If you need help getting your garden ready for spring, our expert team atAll Seasons Garden Maintenance can assist with:
- Lawn care – Mowing, aeration, and feeding
- Hedge cutting – Trimming for a neat appearance
- Weeding & border work – Keeping your flower beds tidy
- Patio & driveway cleaning – Jet washing to remove dirt and moss
We cover Epsom, Ashtead, Banstead, Leatherhead, Dorking, Tadworth, Cheam, Kingswood, and surrounding areas.
Get in touch today to book your spring garden maintenance!
Call 01372 610566 or 07368 356520
By following these end-of-February gardening tips, you’ll ensure your outdoor space is healthy, vibrant, and ready for spring!
