Growing Edibles in February: A Guide for Winter Harvesting

Growing Edibles in February: A Guide for Winter Harvesting

As winter begins to wane, gardeners in the UK can start preparing for an early spring planting season. Here's a detailed guide on how to successfully grow broad beans, potatoes, and strawberries in February, based on seasonal advice and best practices.

### Broad Beans

Broad beans are hardy plants that can be sown from February to March. To plant broad beans, sow seeds directly outdoors in a sheltered spot, or start them off in pots indoors or in a cold frame if your soil is still wet. Plant the beans about 5 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, and consider planting broad beans under cloches or in a greenhouse to give them a head start.

### Potatoes

In the UK, early potato planting generally starts from late February into March, depending on local frost risk. February planting can be done under protection, such as in a greenhouse or cold frame. Before planting, "chit" the seed potatoes by allowing sprouts to grow, to get a strong start. Plant each seed potato about 10-15 cm deep and 30 cm apart in well-prepared soil. Choose early varieties that mature quickly and cover well with soil and mulch to protect shoots from frost.

### Strawberries

February is quite early for outdoor planting of strawberries. Strawberries are best planted in early spring (March-April) when soil temperatures begin to rise. Prepare strawberry beds in February by clearing weeds, adding compost or well-rotted manure, and applying mulch. If you have strawberry plants to start indoors or in a polytunnel, you can pot them up now to encourage early growth. Select disease-free runners or plants, space them about 30-45 cm apart in a sunny location, and avoid waterlogging.

### General Tips for February Gardening

Light levels are still low in February, so be prepared to sow hardy crops like broad beans in mid to late February when days lengthen and it warms slightly. Preparing soil by clearing weeds and adding compost is essential this month to get ready for planting. Use greenhouses, cold frames, or sunny windowsills to give seedlings a warmer environment earlier than outdoors.

### Summary Table

| Crop | Planting Time | Method | Tips | |--------------|---------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Broad Beans | Feb-Mar | Sow seeds outdoors or indoors | Plant 5cm deep, 15-20cm apart; use cloches if cold | | Potatoes | Late Feb-Mar | Plant “chitted” seed potatoes | 10-15cm deep, 30cm apart; mulch to protect frost | | Strawberries | Prepare bed Feb; plant Mar-Apr | Prepare soil now; plant later outdoors or grow indoors | Space 30-45cm apart; sunny spot; avoid waterlogging |

By following these steps, you'll give your broad beans and potatoes a strong early season start and get your strawberry beds ready for spring planting. If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, use it to get an early start on the growing season!

• To maximize the potential growth of broad beans, interested gardeners can start sowing seeds in sheltered spots or greenhouses as early as February, following up with planting outdoors in March.
• Similarly, preparing for an early start on potato growth, gardeners can begin "chitting" seed potatoes and planting them under protection, such as in a greenhouse or cold frame, around late February, with proper attention paid to soil preparation and frost protection.

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