As winter draws to a close, February becomes a critical month for gardeners looking to prepare their allotments for the upcoming growing season. With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get a head start by sowing seeds indoors, planning your outdoor planting, and enjoying the final winter harvests. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential tasks for February allotment preparation, from early sowings to harvesting winter crops, ensuring your garden is ready for a productive year ahead.
The Importance of February Preparation
February is a transitional month in the gardening calendar, where the focus shifts from winter maintenance to spring preparation. Taking advantage of this time can set the stage for a successful growing season, providing you with a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year.
Why Prepare Your Allotment in February?
Preparing your allotment in February has several key benefits:
- Maximizing the Growing Season: By starting sowings early, you can extend the growing season, allowing for earlier and more abundant harvests.
- Utilizing Indoor Space: With the outdoor conditions still too cold for many plants, February is the perfect time to make use of indoor growing spaces, such as greenhouses, cold frames, and propagators.
- Enjoying Winter Harvests: Winter crops like kale, mizuna, and rocket are at their peak in February, providing nutritious and tasty harvests.
Early Sowings: Getting a Head Start
Starting seeds early is one of the most important tasks in February allotment preparation. By sowing seeds indoors or under cover, you give your plants a head start, ensuring they are ready to be transplanted as soon as the weather warms up.
1. Indoor Sowings
Indoor sowings in February are crucial for plants that require a long growing season or need protection from cold temperatures. Using propagators, heated mats, and grow lights can help create the ideal conditions for germination and growth.
A. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens and benefit greatly from an early start. By sowing seeds in February, you can ensure your plants are well-established by the time they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
- Varieties: Choose from a wide range of tomato varieties depending on your preferences. Popular choices include ‘Moneymaker,’ ‘Alicante,’ and cherry tomato varieties like ‘Gardener’s Delight.’
- Sowing Tips: Sow tomato seeds in small pots or seed trays filled with a quality seed starting mix. Place them in a heated propagator or on a warm windowsill, and ensure they receive plenty of light from a grow lamp if necessary.
B. Globe Artichokes
Globe artichokes are a perennial vegetable that can be started from seed in February. These striking plants not only produce delicious flower buds but also add architectural interest to the garden.
- Varieties: ‘Green Globe’ and ‘Imperial Star’ are popular varieties that perform well in the UK climate.
- Sowing Tips: Sow artichoke seeds in pots or trays and keep them warm, ideally using a heated propagator. Once germinated, place the seedlings in a bright location or under grow lamps to ensure strong growth.
C. Sprouting Broccoli
Sprouting broccoli, particularly purple sprouting broccoli, is a hardy crop that can be sown early for an extended harvest period.
- Varieties: ‘Early Purple Sprouting’ and ‘Redhead’ are excellent choices for early sowing.
- Sowing Tips: Sow seeds in modules or small pots and keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame. Sprouting broccoli prefers cooler temperatures, so it doesn’t require additional heat once germinated.
2. Sowing Under Cover
For plants that are hardy but still need some protection from frost, sowing under cover in February is an effective way to get them started.
A. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a long-season crop that benefits from an early start. Sowing in February ensures they are ready for transplanting in early spring.
- Varieties: ‘Maximus’ and ‘Brilliant’ are reliable varieties that produce large, tight sprouts.
- Sowing Tips: Sow seeds in trays or pots and place them under cover in a greenhouse or cold frame. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide ventilation on mild days to prevent damping off.
B. Leeks
Leeks are another crop that requires a long growing season, making February the perfect time to start them.
- Varieties: ‘Musselburgh’ and ‘Porbella’ are popular varieties that are well-suited to UK conditions.
- Sowing Tips: Sow leek seeds in deep pots or modules, covering them lightly with soil. Keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame, and ensure they receive plenty of light to prevent them from becoming leggy.
C. Onions
Onions can be sown from seed in February, giving them plenty of time to develop before the summer harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Ailsa Craig’ and ‘Red Baron’ are excellent choices for sowing from seed.
- Sowing Tips: Sow onion seeds in trays or modules, covering them lightly with soil. Keep them under cover in a cold frame or greenhouse, and thin the seedlings as they grow to avoid overcrowding.
D. Spinach
Spinach is a hardy leafy green that can be sown under cover in February for an early spring harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Perpetual Spinach’ and ‘Giant Winter’ are reliable varieties for early sowing.
- Sowing Tips: Sow spinach seeds in pots or directly into a cold frame. Spinach prefers cooler temperatures, so it’s important not to overheat the growing area. Thin the seedlings to allow for adequate space as they grow.
Preparing the Allotment for Outdoor Sowings
While February is primarily a month for indoor and covered sowings, it’s also the ideal time to prepare your allotment for the first outdoor sowings in March. Preparing the soil, organizing your tools, and planning your planting layout are all essential tasks.
1. Soil Preparation
Good soil preparation is the foundation of a successful growing season. In February, the soil is often cold and wet, but there are still important steps you can take to get it ready for spring planting.
A. Improving Soil Structure
Improving the structure of your soil ensures it is well-drained and fertile, providing the best environment for seed germination and plant growth.
- Adding Organic Matter: Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into your soil to improve its texture and fertility. Spread a thick layer over your beds and dig it in lightly, taking care not to compact the soil.
- Mulching: Applying a mulch layer helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil from erosion. Use organic mulches like straw, bark chips, or leaf mold.
B. Testing and Adjusting Soil pH
Testing the pH of your soil in February allows you to make any necessary adjustments before planting begins.
- Soil Testing Kits: Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH level of your soil. Most vegetables prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- Adjusting pH: If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline, incorporate sulfur or organic matter to lower the pH. Make these adjustments early, as it takes time for the soil pH to change.
C. Covering and Warming the Soil
In colder regions, warming the soil before sowing can make a significant difference in germination rates.
- Using Cloches and Polythene: Cover your soil with cloches, garden fleece, or black polythene to raise the temperature and create a more favorable environment for seed germination.
- Timing: Cover the soil at least two weeks before sowing to allow the ground to warm up. This is particularly useful for early crops like carrots, parsnips, and peas.
2. Organizing Tools and Materials
Having your tools and materials organized and ready to go makes the sowing and planting process much smoother.
A. Tool Maintenance
February is a good time to check your tools and make sure they are in good working order.
- Sharpening and Cleaning: Sharpen the blades of your pruners, spades, and hoes. Clean any rust or dirt off your tools, and apply a light coat of oil to metal parts to prevent rusting.
- Repairing or Replacing: Check for any damaged tools and repair or replace them as needed. Having reliable tools is essential for efficient gardening.
B. Seed Storage and Labeling
Organize your seed packets and make sure they are properly labeled and stored.
- Seed Storage: Store your seeds in a cool, dry place to keep them viable. Use airtight containers or resealable bags to protect them from moisture.
- Labeling: Clearly label your seed packets with the sowing dates and any specific instructions. This will help you stay organized and ensure you sow your seeds at the right time.
3. Planning Your Allotment Layout
Planning your allotment layout in February allows you to make the most of your growing space and ensures a successful crop rotation.
A. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is essential for maintaining soil health and preventing the build-up of pests and diseases.
- Rotation Plan: Create a crop rotation plan that groups plants into families (e.g., brassicas, legumes, root vegetables) and rotates them to different areas of the allotment each year.
- Benefits: Crop rotation helps prevent soil depletion, reduces the risk of disease, and improves soil fertility by varying the types of plants grown in each area.
B. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves growing certain plants together to benefit each other, either by deterring pests, improving growth, or enhancing flavor.
- Companion Combinations: Plan your layout to include beneficial plant combinations, such as planting marigolds with tomatoes to deter nematodes or growing basil near peppers to enhance flavor.
- Maximizing Space: Use companion planting to make the most of your allotment space. For example, interplant fast-growing crops like radishes with slower-growing ones like carrots.
Harvesting Winter Crops
February is not just about preparation—there are also plenty of winter crops ready to be harvested. These hardy vegetables thrive in cold weather and provide fresh, nutritious produce during the lean winter months.
1. Kale
Kale is a winter staple that’s at its best in February, offering tender leaves that can be used in a variety of dishes.
A. Harvesting Tips
- When to Harvest: Harvest kale leaves as needed throughout the winter. The outer leaves can be picked individually, allowing the plant to continue producing new growth.
- How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves close to the stem. Avoid damaging the central growing point to ensure continued production.
B. Varieties to Grow
- ‘Nero di Toscana’: Also known as black kale or cavolo nero, this variety has dark, crinkled leaves and a robust flavor.
- ‘Red Russian’: This variety has tender, flat leaves with purple veins and a slightly sweeter taste.
2. Mizuna
Mizuna is a hardy Asian green that can be harvested throughout the winter. It has a mild, peppery flavor and is perfect for salads and stir-fries.
A. Harvesting Tips
- When to Harvest: Mizuna can be harvested as a cut-and-come-again crop, with the outer leaves picked regularly while the plant continues to grow.
- How to Harvest: Snip the leaves with scissors, leaving the central growing point intact for future harvests.
B. Varieties to Grow
- ‘Kyoto’: This variety has dark green, deeply lobed leaves and a mild flavor.
- ‘Red Mizuna’: A colorful variety with reddish-purple leaves that add a pop of color to winter salads.
3. Rocket (Arugula)
Rocket is another leafy green that thrives in cool weather, offering a peppery flavor that’s a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
A. Harvesting Tips
- When to Harvest: Harvest rocket leaves when they are young and tender, typically when they reach about 4-6 inches in length.
- How to Harvest: Cut the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the central growing point intact for continued growth.
B. Varieties to Grow
- ‘Wild Rocket’: Known for its intense flavor and finely divided leaves, wild rocket is a favorite for its spicy kick.
- ‘Speedy’: This variety is quick to mature, making it ideal for early sowings and regular harvests.
Conclusion
February is a crucial month for allotment preparation, offering the opportunity to get a head start on the growing season while still enjoying the fruits of your winter harvests. By focusing on early sowings, preparing your soil, and organizing your allotment, you can ensure a productive and successful gardening year. Whether you’re harvesting kale and mizuna or sowing the first seeds of tomatoes and leeks, the work you do in February will set the stage for a bountiful and rewarding season ahead.
