This column was drafted in mid-January, a couple of weeks into the latest Covid lockdown and with the very grim news surrounding us, it is easy to overlook small sources of joy, such as gardens. However, we know that for many people time spent in their gardens, or other open spaces, last year helped to make life a bit brighter.

Lengthening days with more light and emerging snowdrops, crocus and daffodils not only tell us that another gardening year is beginning, but also provide flashes of cheer and the promise of a spring.

Crocus at the end of January

Despite the lengthening days and occasional warm spells, February is still winter and is often a wet month. So, as we usually advise at this time of year, don’t be in a hurry. If the ground is waterlogged or frozen, steer clear of lawns and borders – you could create more of a mess than you clear up.

Satisfying jobs are pruning apples, pears and wisterias. They should still be dormant and with no leaf cover it is much easier to see the shape you’re creating. You can easily distinguish the larger, flowering (and therefore fruiting) buds allowing you to produce a balance of new growth and flowers. As with all pruning, the first task is to remove the three D’s: Dead, Diseased and Damaged material. Then take out crossing branches that cause congestion and finally, cut back to the size and shape that you want.

Pruned Apple Tree

Pruned Pear Tree

Don’t forget to look around the garden to check for gaps where you might add seasonal colour like primulas (or indeed clumps from previous plantings that might now be ready for splitting).

For the kitchen garden, you can begin sowing summer cabbages, broad beans and beetroot under cover and if you haven’t done it yet, sow onions and leeks. You can also sow flowers and while warm windowsills may be a good place to start many seeds, don’t forget that you can start hardy annuals outside.

2021’s Leek seedlings

Finally, for soggy days when you’re stuck inside, spend some time cleaning and sharpening your tools. As well as extending their lives, using well maintained tools is much easier.