Start growing organic vegetables in February
The February is almost always the very coldest month of the year, sometimes the ground is so frozen that no gardening is possible outside at all.
Fortunately there are some jobs to do in the greenhouse and at least the days are getting longer and spring will soon be with us.
Do not be tempted to sow vegetables too early, as although there are exceptions, very early sowings of vegetables are generally a disappointment.
If February is reasonably mild it would even be worth trying a few sowings of carrots (the variety Amstel, for examle).
Sow thickly but in very shallow drills with a minimum amount of soil to cover.
If germination is good, severe thinning will be needed, but the extra seeds will allow for the inevitable losses.
Even varieties which are suitable for early sowing will benefit from covering the soil with a cloche a week or so before sowing. Peas in particular will respond to cloche protection and growth will be advanced quite a few weeks. ‘Feltham First’ is the variety to go for.
Like you, the slugs will be eagerly awaiting the first appearance of those early crops so do sprinkle some slug pellets around to allow these vital early plants to reach maturity.
Shallots can be planted if the weather is good. Put them in, 6in (10cm) apart and 12in (30cm) between the tows, leaving the top half protruding from the soil.
When potato tubers arrive or are bought from the local garden centre, sprout these in a light, frost-free situation.
It is possible for an attack of green fly to appear on the tender new shoots so dust these with insecticide as soon as any of the pests appear.
TIPS FOR VEGETABLES GARDENER
