PlantAdvice.co.uk

In this month’s edition of the podcast we discuss the soil that makes our plants thrive, seasonal gardening jobs to do in the garden during the month of February and a selection of plants that look good at this time of year.

Understanding Soil - 1' 40"

We take a quick look at the science behind soil, why it's important and how we can control it to improve the growing conditions of our plants.

Plant of the Month - 9' 05"

Our plant of the month for February is Lonicera fragrantissima also known as Winter Honeysuckle.

• Height 2m, spread 2m
• Hardy shrub, likes full sun
  
• Average growth
• Soil: Moist, well drained loam
• Flowers from February to March, creamy white fragrant flowers
• Native to China
• RHS Perfect for Pollinators
  

Perfect Pairing - 11' 42"

For the month of February we've picked two plants that compliment each other:

Betula pendula - Silver Birch

• Average growing hardy deciduous tree
  
• 20m tall, 10m spread
• Full sun/partial shade, moist, well drained sandy/loam soil
  
• Flowers: Green and Yellow from April to May
• Mid-green, triangular and toothed leaves
  
• Colourful autumn foliage
• White bark
  

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ – Black Dragon

• Ideal to under plant the Birch contrasting with its light bark colour
  
• Average growing, hardy, evergreen perennial
  
• 20cm tall, 30cm spread
• Full sun, Partial shade, moist, well drained loam soil
• Flowers: purple bell-shaped flowers in July and August
  
• Dark blue fruit
  
• Black / dark purple, grass-like leaves
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Jobs in the Garden - 16' 39"

• If heavy snow falls, shake off branches of trees & shrubs to prevent snapping under weight
• Get lawnmower serviced and blade sharpened
• Look through seed catalogues and decide what you would like to grow from seed when spring arrives
• Wisteria pruning

In the Vegetable Garden - 19' 35"

• Sow inside: Aubergines, Peppers and Onions
• Sow outside: Broad beans, Onions and Carrots
  
• Plant out: Rhubarb crowns, Garlic and Shallots
  
• Harvest: Leeks and Cabbage

Plants of Note - 21' 30"

Another two plants that we felt were worthy of note for this month are:

Phyllostachys nigra - Black Bamboo

• Fast growing, hardy bamboo
• 5m tall, 3m spread
• Full sun/partial shade, moist, well-drained soil
• Evergreen, dark green leaves with black canes when mature
• Not as invasive as many bamboos
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
  

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' - Corkscrew Hazel

• Average growing, hardy shrub
• 3m tall, 2m spread
• Full sun/partial shade, moist, well-drained, chalky soil
• Flowers: golden yellow catkins from February to March
• Twisted mid-green leaves / yellow in autumn
  
• Twisted stems; good for flower arranging
  
• Suitable for container growing
  
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
  

Useful Links

• Article on Soil Science Simplified
• Soil pH Testing Kit