February — garden and home jobs for this month

February sits at an odd point in the calendar: too early for spring proper, but late enough that a few jobs genuinely need doing before March arrives. The ground has usually softened after the hardest frosts, so it's a better month for outdoor work than the weather often suggests, and a worse month than most people assume for leaving things alone.

In the garden

Bare-root trees, hedging and roses need to go in while they're still dormant, so February is normally the last safe window before growth starts. In most of England that means by the end of the month; further north, into early March is usually fine because the season runs later.

• Chit seed potatoes on a light windowsill so they've got sturdy shoots by planting time
• Prune apple and pear trees while they're dormant, cutting out crossing or damaged branches
• Cut back winter-flowering shrubs once the flowers have finished, so next year's growth has time to develop
• Hold off mowing unless the lawn is unusually dry and mild for the time of year

Frost is still the main risk this month. Anything newly planted or coming into early flower is worth watching on cold nights, and a layer of horticultural fleece is enough to see most borderline cases through.

Around the home

Winter storms leave debris in gutters and downpipes, and a blocked gutter in February becomes a damp problem by April, so it's worth clearing them before the heavier spring rain arrives. While you're up there, or getting someone up there, a look at the fascia and soffit boards will show up any that have started to lift or rot over winter.

Condensation on windows through the coldest months is common; if it's forming heavily and not clearing, a bit more ventilation in that room will do more good than a dehumidifier. Where you see damp patches low down on internal walls, it's worth checking the damp-proof course rather than assuming it's condensation, since the fix is completely different.

What can wait

Not everything needs doing in February. Lawn care beyond a light rake, most flowerbed tidying and any roof work that isn't urgent can safely move to March without causing harm; doing it now simply won't gain you much either. For the fuller picture on either side of the house, the garden maintenance and home maintenance guides cover the detail behind each job, and March is worth a look if you'd rather plan ahead than act now.