Gardening: How to plant a bare root rose
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February is a great month in the UK to sow seeds of hardy annuals such as cosmos. By sowing seeds early on in the year, gardeners can enjoy their flowers for a larger part of the year. The growing season can then be extended by carrying out repeated sowings from March onwards. With many classic blooms to choose from, gardening experts at Gardeners’ World magazine have shared their top picks of plants to add to the garden now.
They said: “February is also a good time to plant summer-flowering bulbs in pots, most of which do best in free-draining soils.
“You can plant hardy perennials such as Japanese anemones and hardy geraniums, too.
“Most are dormant in February, with little or no foliage growing above the ground.
“However, by planting them in February you can get them off to a good start, as they will start growing as soon as temperatures increase.”
Climbing temperatures and brighter days makes February a perfect time for planting certain flowers.
From lilies to hardy geraniums, gardeners won’t be short of flowers to plant this month.
Lilies
Lilies are fantastic summer border flowers, and work well in cut flower arrangements.
Plant the bulbs any time from autumn to spring in a sunny spot, in rich, well-drained soil, around 15-20cm deep.
If gardeners have heavy, wet soil, it’s best to plant them in pots, to plant out in the garden later.
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Sweet peas
Sweet peas are a stalwart of summer gardens and they’re easy to grow.
They grow to a height of one to two metres tall, so when they are full grown it could be worth adding support to the plant.
Sow seeds individually into biodegradable pots or cardboard tubes, as they can be planted out in their containers to avoid root disturbance.
Keep them in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame and harden off before planting out.
Cosmos
Cosmos are annual flowers with colourful, daisy-like flowers that sit atop long, slender stems.
The experts explained how easy they are to care for.
Gardeners’ world experts said: “Cosmos are easy flowers to grow and they look great in borders or meadows.
“The seeds need light to germinate, so sow on top of peat-free seed compost in a tray or plant pot placed indoors.”
They should be placed in a sunny spot such as a window sill, then take it out when large enough to handle.
Cosmos even survive in poor soil conditions.
Hardy geraniums
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are useful plants to have in the garden.
The flowers will last for months, providing food for pollinators, and they’re easy to grow.
They can also be grown in sun or shade.
These robust plants will adapt to suit most soils, except those that are waterlogged.
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