Preparing Your Garden for the Coming Spring
As the shortest month of the year, February may still bring cold, frosty weather, but it is also a time when you can start to prepare for the excitement of spring. With the right tasks, you can ensure that your garden is set to flourish in the warmer months. Here are some essential jobs to do in the garden in February.
Starting to tidy up with some of our wonderful volunteers
General Maintenance
Clear Debris
Winter storms and heavy winds may have left your garden littered with fallen branches, leaves, and other debris. Spend some time clearing these away to make your garden more tidy and to prevent pests from making a home in the clutter.
Clean and Repair Tools
Take this opportunity to clean, sharpen, and repair your gardening tools. Well-maintained tools make garden tasks easier and more efficient.
Inspect Fences and Structures
Check your garden fences, trellises, and other structures for any damage caused by winter weather. Repairing or reinforcing them now can save you trouble later in the year.
__________
Plant Care
Prune Trees and Shrubs
February is an ideal time to prune certain trees and shrubs before the sap starts to rise. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. Be sure to check the specific requirements of your plants, as some may need different care.
Cut Back Perennials
Cut back the dead growth of perennials to ground level to make way for new shoots. This helps to tidy up the garden and encourages new growth in the coming months.
Feed Your Plants
Apply a slow-release fertiliser around the base of your trees, shrubs, and hedges. This will provide the nutrients they need to thrive as they come out of dormancy.
__________
Soil Preparation
Turn the Soil
If the ground is not too wet or frozen, turn over the soil in your vegetable beds and borders. This helps to aerate the soil and improve its structure, making it easier for plant roots to grow.
Add Compost and Manure
Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into your soil to enrich it with organic matter. This will improve soil fertility and drainage, benefitting your plants throughout the year.
__________
Planting and Sowing
Sow Early Seeds
In a greenhouse or on a windowsill, you can start sowing seeds of hardy annuals, herbs, and early vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, and broad beans. Using seed trays and pots ensures that the young plants have a protected environment to germinate and grow.
Plant Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs
February is a good time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and roses. Ensure the weather is suitable and the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. Planting now allows the roots to establish before the growing season begins. If you can add Mycorrhizal Fungi to the roots as this will aid water and nutrient absorption and help them to flourish.
__________
Wildlife Care
Provide Food and Water
Food can be scarce for wildlife in February, so keep bird feeders stocked and provide fresh water for drinking and bathing. This helps to attract beneficial birds to your garden, which can help with pest control.
Create Habitats
Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide shelter for wildlife. Piles of logs, leaves, and stones can create habitats for insects, amphibians, and small mammals.
__________
Planning and Designing
Plan Your Garden Layout
Use the quieter winter months to plan your garden layout for the year. Consider what plants you want to grow and where they will thrive best. Drawing up a garden plan can help you make the most of your space and ensure a cohesive design.
Order Seeds and Plants
With your garden plan in mind, order the seeds and plants you will need for the upcoming seasons. This ensures you have everything ready for when planting time arrives.
Design New Features
If you are considering adding new features to your garden, such as a pond, raised beds, or a seating area, use this time to design and plan them. Research materials and costs, and make a to-do list to prepare for the installation.
__________
Specialised Tasks
Fruit Garden
Prune apple and pear trees, as well as blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes, to encourage a good crop. Apply a mulch around the base of fruit trees and bushes to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Vegetable Garden
Prepare vegetable beds by removing weeds and adding organic matter. Plan your crop rotation and start sowing seeds of early vegetables indoors or under cover.
Ornamental Garden
Cut back ornamental grasses and tidy up borders. Check for and remove any overwintering pests or diseases from your plants.
Greenhouse and Indoor Plants
Clean the greenhouse thoroughly to remove algae, moss, and grime. Check indoor plants for pests and diseases, and water them sparingly, as their growth slows down in winter.
__________
February may be a cold and quiet month in the garden, but it is a crucial time for preparation and maintenance. By tackling these tasks now, you can set the stage for a vibrant and productive garden in the months to come. Happy gardening!
The Health Benefits of Watercress
A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse
Watercress, a leafy green aquatic plant, has long been celebrated for its nutritional values and health benefits. This peppery-tasting vegetable is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a formidable addition to a healthy diet. There is a myriad of ways in which watercress can positively impact your health.
Rich in Nutrients
Watercress is incredibly nutrient-dense. Just 34 grams of this leafy green provides significant amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. It also contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. This low-calorie, nutrient-packed profile makes watercress an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their nutrient intake without adding extra calories to their diet.
__________
Counters Inflammation
Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients, watercress can help to reduce inflammation in the body and aid managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
__________
High in Antioxidants
Watercress is rich in antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. The antioxidants in watercress, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, can help reduce oxidative damage and support overall health.
__________
Supports Immune Function
Vitamin C, found abundantly in watercress, plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. It promotes the production of white blood cells, which are vital in defending the body against infections. Additionally, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting immune cells from oxidative damage and enhancing their function.
__________
Improves Bone Health
Watercress is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin K plays a key role in the formation of osteocalcin, a protein that helps maintain bone density and strength. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin K can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, particularly in older adults.
__________
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
The potassium content in watercress aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels by counteracting the effects of sodium. This helps relax blood vessels and promotes better blood flow, reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the dietary nitrates in watercress can improve vascular function and lower blood pressure.
__________
Promotes Eye Health
Watercress contains high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are crucial for eye health. These compounds accumulate in the retina, where they protect against damage from blue light and oxidative stress. Regular consumption of watercress can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, thus promoting better vision.
__________
Aids Digestion
The fibre content in watercress supports healthy digestion by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements. This can help prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive tract. It also possesses natural antibacterial properties that can help eliminate harmful bacteria from the gut, supporting a balanced microbiome.
__________
May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Several studies have suggested that the phytochemicals in watercress may have anti-cancer effects. Compounds like glucosinolates and their metabolites can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death). These properties make watercress a valuable food in the prevention and management of certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancers.
__________
Supports Skin Health
The high vitamin C content in watercress aids in collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. The antioxidants in watercress also protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants, helping to prevent premature aging and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.
__________
Promotes Weight Management
Watercress is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it an ideal food for weight management. Its fibre content helps create a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake. Additionally, the various vitamins and minerals in watercress support metabolic processes that are essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
__________
Incorporating Watercress into Your Diet
Adding watercress to your diet is easy and can be done in various ways. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, blended into smoothies, or used as a garnish for soups and sandwiches. Watercress can also be lightly steamed or sautéed to retain its nutritional value. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Watercress Salad: Toss fresh watercress with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutrient-packed salad.
Watercress Smoothie: Blend watercress with avocado, apple, banana, and a splash of coconut water for a green smoothie that's both delicious and nutritious.
Watercress Soup: Add watercress to a vegetable or chicken broth with garlic, potatoes, and leeks for a hearty and healthy soup.
Watercress Pesto: Blend watercress with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant and flavourful pesto.
__________
Watercress is a versatile and highly nutritious vegetable that offers a plethora of health benefits. Its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes it a valuable addition to any diet, supporting overall health and well-being. By incorporating watercress into your meals, you can take advantage of its myriad benefits and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
The Wonder of Soup . . .
Few foods are easier to prepare or more nutritious than soup and nothing tastes better on a cold day than a bowl of steaming hot soup. We crave hot soup as it effectively warms the body from the inside out providing warmth, comfort and coziness. If you have a cold or sore throat, grab a bowl of soup to ease your discomfort and soothe the pain, add immune boosting spices and herbs such as garlic, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, oregano, paprika for their valuable anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Soup is quick and easy to make, inexpensive and an excellent low-fat meal solution. Also it’s a great child-friendly source of vegetables and is a great way to use leftovers or a glut of veggie ingredients.
The following recipe is a warming and delicious combo to keep the chills at bay…
Vegetable & Bean Soup
4 tblsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 large courgettes, chopped
4 small-med potatoes, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1.5 litres vegetable stock
1 x 400g can of cannellini OR flageolet beans (or chick peas can be substituted too)
Salt / pepper
Heat the oil, add onion and garlic, sweat gently for 5 minutes. Add the chopped vegetables and continue to stir & heat for further 5 minutes. Add the stock and simmer for 10-15 minutes til veg has softened. Blitz in a blender /food processor til smooth and return to pot. Add seasoning to your taste. Add the beans and gently simmer for 5 minutes. Enjoy!
February Bee News . . .
Buff-tailed bumblebees and honeybees are really the only bees you’ll see in the winter months, on milder days I’ve often seen buff-tails enjoying the planting of mahonia at Cliveden NT. Mahonia are great winter plants for pollinators - a tough flowering shrub that is easy to grow and produces beautiful yellow flowers that are sometimes even enjoyed by small birds.
As temperatures start to creep up, one of the first garden visitors will be the hairy footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes). This is one of my favourite bees, the male is aptly named as his middle legs have a very hairy foot at the end. These bees are often mistaken for bumblebees as they are quite stout and furry, but they are a type of solitary bee and don’t have queens and workers in a nest. Males are a mostly ginger colour, with the females being all black (apart from orange hairs on their back legs) and they both have a very ‘zippy’ type of flight. Great plants to have in your outdoor space for these bees are lungworts (Pulmonaria sp), deadnettles and comfrey.
__________
Some interesting bee facts for you whilst we’re waiting for more bees to wake up this spring.
How many eyes does a bee have? Bees have a total of five eyes - the two large (‘compound’) eyes you can see obviously, but also three small simple or ‘ocelli’ eyes on the top of their head. These eyes only detect light and can help the bee with location relative to the sun.
Continuing the topic of eyes - Did you know that honeybees (Apis mellifera) have hairy compound eyes?
Bees in the UK vary in size from the smallest, small scissor bee (Chelostoma campanularum) at 6mm, to one of the largest, the great yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) which can measure in at over 2cm. These bumblebees are very rare and only found in specific habitats in Scotland. In total there are more than 250 different species of bee in the UK. But many are rare and at risk of going extinct.
Bees are found on every continent of the world, apart from Antarctica.
What bees are you looking forward to seeing this year?
Maidenhead Seed Swap
Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead, the local consumer champion for health and social care, is thinking about their priorities for their working year starting 1st April. Their prioritisation survey ‘What Matters Most’ is now live. They are asking for local people to share their views - should they be focusing on people's experiences of dementia care, of hospital outpatient service, of waiting times? What else?
It will take less than 5 minutes to give your thoughts via the link below. This needs to be completed by by 31st March.
RBWM website link - https://healthwatchwam.co.uk/news/2025-02-07/what-matters-most
Thank You!
Comments