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WITH spring almost here, there’s plenty to look forward to — longer days, warmer temperatures, and, of course, the return of gardening season.
And March may feel like it can’t come soon enough for those eager to get their hands back in the soil.
February is the perfect time for gardening three vegetables[/caption]
Spinach can withstand lower temperatures in February[/caption]
So people may be happy to hear that February is actually the perfect time to kickstart your growing season with three specific vegetables.
John Collins, nursery manager at Ashridge, says: “These hardy crops can withstand cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early sowing.
“Getting them in the ground now gives you an earlier harvest and helps spread out the workload in the garden.”
First up, John reveals that broad beans are one of the best vegetables to plant in February, as their robust nature allows them to thrive in cooler temperatures.
He adds: “Sowing these national favourites now can lead to an earlier harvest, often by late spring or early summer.
“Soaking the seeds overnight is a good way to encourage germination, and planting them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil will help them develop.”
The gardening pro recommends planting them about 20cm apart and leaving 60cm between each double row, to allow air circulation and easy access to the crops.
“As the plants grow, staking or installing nets can provide them with extra support and prevent them from toppling over”, he adds.
“Another great tip is pinching out their tips when they reach about one metre in height, as this will encourage bushier growth and deter pests like aphids.”
Early peas are another excellent choice for February, with varieties such as ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ or ‘Meteor’ being particularly suited to cooler temperatures.
Planting them now means that you’ll be able to enjoy sweet peas by late spring, bringing a taste of early summer to your dishes.
Unlike broad beans, early peas should be planted on a sheltered site.
They also don’t require as much space and can be sown 5cm apart, with rows spaced at 60cm intervals.
You should, however, consider providing them support with sticks or netting, as this will help them climb and grow even more.
John says: “A great way to ensure your early peas survive and develop is to plant them indoors in biodegradable pots and transplant them later once they’ve grown.
“This will drastically reduce damage from pests like mice and birds.”
Rounding off your February vegetable patch, you should consider spinach.
This veg grows quickly, and hardier varieties such as ‘Perpetual Spinach’ can withstand lower temperatures, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh greens in early spring.
John recommends picking a sunny or partially shaded area with rich, moisture-retentive soil, and planting the seeds 30cm apart to give them room to mature.
Another possibility is sowing the seeds in containers for easier management—this can also help if you don’t have as much space.
But make sure you water your crops regularly to prevent bolting, applying mulch to retain soil moisture.
“Spinach is a vegetable that keeps on giving”, John says.
“It’s extremely rich in nutrients, and you can prolong the cropping period by harvesting its leaves regularly, always cutting the outer leaves first.
“This encourages new growth, allowing you to enjoy fresh veggies in your meals for longer.”
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