Five plants to sow in your garden in February - including vegetables and flowers

Someone carrying box of vegetables
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January is already more than halfway through and the lighter nights are slowly beginning to emerge. And for those wanting to enjoy their gardens this summer there are several plants you need to start preparing to plant.

February is an ideal time for getting the garden ready for a variety of flowers and vegetables. Andrew White, gardening expert at Rhino Greenhouses Direct says there are five plants which can be sown next month.

He says gardeners can get started with some varieties of both flowers and vegetables. Here is his top five suggestions for February.

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READ MORE: Four gardening jobs you should do in January for luscious spring blooms

Cauliflower

Andrew says the end of winter is ideal to get some early varieties of vegetables in the soil. Hardy vegetables such as cauliflower particularly thrive this time of year.

He said: "Cauliflower can be sown at this time, ready for early crops. Many varieties prefer to be planted deep and covered until they have germinated. Cauliflowers thrive in modules or in a seed bed, and should ready to be transplanted after six weeks.”

And the expert says mulching is the key to success. He said: “You’ll want to keep the cauliflowers mulched, to retain water, and if the sun starts getting strong before they’re ready to harvest, you may want to shade them with some larger leaves.”

Pak choi

Growing your own pak choi will bring sweet flavours and textures to your spring menu. The expert advises: “Plant in your greenhouse in February, transplant in March and get ready to harvest as soon as April.

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"However, some baby choi varieties are ready to harvest just 50 days after sowing.” The leafy Chinese vegetables are used to hot conditions, so a warm greenhouse with stable environment is ideal for end of winter and into spring planting.

He adds: “Plant seeds well-spaced and to a shallow depth in compost, and set it in a south-facing position in your greenhouse. Water consistently, without leaving the soil soggy, and thin the seedlings out as they grow.”

Carrots

Growing your own carrots adds to their flavour and the earlier you plant them the sooner you will be able to enjoy them. The expert advises: "While carrots are usually sown outdoors from April, you can get a head start on your carrot crop with some early cultivars that can be sown in your greenhouse in February.

"Your carrots need plenty of depth to grow, so containers should be 40-50cm deep, depending on the variety.” Remember to keep the soil well-watered, as carrot seeds love moist environments.

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“Prepare your pots or planters will well-watered soil and sow your carrot seeds shallowly in rows,” advises White. “Water gently to keep the soil moist for the first 10-20 days, until the seeds have germinated, and be ready to thin them out.”

Delphiniums

Beautiful delphiniums add height and colour to your garden blooms. The expert says: "This plant will thrive when planted in a greenhouse in February.

"You can plant in pots or seed trays, into compost, at around just 3mm deep. Keep the soil covered until germination, and care for the seedlings by keeping the soil moist.”

Plus, there are a few extra things you can do to ensure they grow nice and tall. Separate them out when the seedlings get their second set of leaves, and once the risk of frost has passed, you can harden them off before planting them into a sunny spot, out of the wind, in well-drained soil."

Violas

Violas are another beautiful bloom that can be planted in February. The expert says: "Plant under a plastic lid and spray to keep moist, and make sure seed trays are placed in a bright location, but not in the direct heat of sunlight.

"Seedlings can be separated once their leaves are fully formed, and once the frosts have passed, can be planted out.”