February might still be cold, but it’s the perfect time to start planning and preparing your vegetable patch for the growing season ahead.
By getting a head start now, you’ll be ready to enjoy a productive garden filled with fresh, homegrown produce throughout the year.
At All Seasons Garden Maintenance, we help homeowners across Surrey, including Epsom, Ashtead, Banstead, Leatherhead, and Dorking, create and maintain thriving gardens.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your vegetable-growing skills, this guide will help you get started.
1. Preparing Your Vegetable Patch in February
Although February is still chilly, it’s a crucial month for getting your garden ready.
Choose the Right Spot:
Select an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Clear the Ground: Remove weeds, debris, and old plant material from last year.
Improve the Soil: Dig in well-rotted compost or manure to enrich the soil for spring planting.
Plan Your Crops: Decide what vegetables you want to grow and map out their positions.
Tip: If your garden is too cold to dig, consider using raised beds or large containers to improve drainage and warm the soil faster.
2. What Vegetables Can You Plant in February?
While many vegetables need warmer temperatures, February is a great time to start hardy crops indoors or under cover.
Direct Sowing (Outdoors, Under Cover):
Broad Beans – These can handle the cold and will establish well for an early summer harvest.
Garlic & Onions – If you didn’t plant these in autumn, now is your last chance.
Early Peas – Use cloches or fleece to protect young seedlings from frost.
Salad Leaves – Hardy varieties like winter lettuce and lamb’s lettuce will grow in a greenhouse or cold frame.
Start Indoors (On a Windowsill or Greenhouse):
Tomatoes & Peppers – Sow seeds now in trays and keep them warm for an early start.
Chillies & Aubergines – These require a long growing season, so starting early is key.
Herbs – Basil, parsley, and coriander can be grown in pots indoors before being moved outside later.
Tip: Use a heated propagator to speed up germination for warmth-loving plants.
3. Essential February Garden Jobs
Keeping on top of garden maintenance now will make vegetable growing easier in spring.
Tidy Up Your Vegetable Beds
Remove dead leaves and weeds to prevent pests and diseases.
Fork over the soil to improve aeration and drainage.
Mulch & Protect the Soil
Apply organic mulch (compost or well-rotted manure) to retain moisture and nutrients.
Cover empty beds with black plastic to warm the soil before planting.
Plan Crop Rotation
Avoid growing the same vegetables in the same spot each year to prevent soil depletion and diseases.
Rotate crops like brassicas, root vegetables, and legumes to keep the soil healthy.
4. Protecting Your Crops from Frost
February nights can still bring hard frosts, so protecting your young plants is essential.
Frost Protection Tips:
Use horticultural fleece or cloches to cover seedlings.
If growing in pots, move them closer to walls for extra warmth.
Raise seed trays off cold surfaces in greenhouses to prevent chill damage.
Tip: Water plants early in the day so moisture has time to drain before freezing temperatures set in.
5. Watering & Feeding Your Crops
Even in winter, plants still need moisture, but overwatering can be a problem.
Watering Guidelines:
Water only when the soil is dry to prevent rot.
Avoid watering in the evening, as cold temperatures can damage roots.
Feeding Your Plants:
Compost & Manure: Apply now for slow nutrient release.
Liquid Seaweed Feed: Great for young seedlings to encourage strong roots.
6. Planning Ahead for Spring Planting
While February is mostly about preparation, now is also the time to get ready for a busy March and April.
What to Plan for Next Month:
March – Start sowing early carrots, beets, and spinach outdoors.
April – Warmer weather will allow planting of potatoes, beans, and salad greens.
May – It will be safe to move tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers outside.
Tip: Order seed potatoes now and start “chitting” them (allowing them to sprout) in a cool, bright place.
7. Why Grow Your Own Vegetables?
Growing vegetables is not only rewarding but also brings great benefits:
Fresh & Organic Produce – Enjoy chemical-free, homegrown food.
Save Money – Reduce grocery bills by growing your own greens.
Eco-Friendly – Reduce plastic waste and food miles by eating from your garden.
Better Taste – Nothing beats the flavour of freshly picked vegetables!
8. Need Help Preparing Your Garden?
Starting a vegetable patch is exciting, but it does require some effort. If you need help getting your garden ready,
All Seasons Garden Maintenance is here to assist!
We offer professional garden services across Epsom, Ashtead, Banstead, Leatherhead, and surrounding areas, including:
Soil preparation & mulching
Lawn care & weeding
Pruning & hedge cutting,
General garden maintenance
Contact us today for a free quote! Call 01372 610566 or 07368 356520.
By taking action now, your vegetable patch will be ready for a successful growing season.
Start planning, planting, and preparing this February, and you’ll soon be enjoying fresh homegrown vegetables straight from your garden!
