Gardening Advice - February

I recently bought a bag of Jerusalem Artichokes from the farmers market in Ryde. I had grown them before but had forgotten them for many years. I like them roasted, the skins are quite knobbly so don’t peel them, just wash them. They can be planted in February and will grow very quickly to ten foot tall, so making them possibly the fastest growing screen available.

They do not come from Jerusalem but come from the Italian word girasole, meaning sun follower, as the flowers will turn to face the sun. They can be lifted in the autumn once the leaves have turned brown. I have found that it is extremely difficult to remove all the parts from the ground and any that are left will grow the following year which is great if you like them.
The golden chains of laburnum are one of the most glorious sights in spring but do remember that all parts of the plant are poisonous. It is the pea-like seeds that are the most attractive to young children; where possible cut the dead flower heads off before seeds form.

February is a good time to prune a buddleia by cutting back all last year’s stems to one or two strong buds above the ground. Young specimens can be left alone for the first few seasons.

Climbing honeysuckle needs little pruning, but after a few years it’s mass of stems become congested. Hard pruning will restore vigor and allow you to clear the accumulated tangle of old dead stems hidden beneath fresh growth.

For a continuous supply of parsley sow twice a year. First at the end of February in gentle heat and again mid-summer to take you throw to the end of the year.