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Susan Explains How To Identify Seedlings
When the seeds germinate and the seedlings emerge in three to four
weeks time, thin them out so that there is only one healthy seedling
every 15-23 cm (6-9 in). See "Susan Explains" above for how to
distinguish the parsnip seedlings from weed seedlings. Fruit Trees February is also a good month to
plant apple trees but not when the ground is frozen or water-logged. Herbaceous Perennials GO TO NEXT
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WEEK'S "WHAT TO DO
WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN IN
FEBRUARY 15th to 22nd
When vegetable seedlings emerge, so do weed seedlings and it
can be very difficult to work out which is which! When you dig out
the seed drill make it as straight a line as possible. Place a
plant marker at either end of the drill with the name of the
vegetable on it. Then lightly tie some string to a twig or stick
at one end of the drill and tie the other end of the string to a
twig at the other end of the drill. This will greatly help to
identify the position of the vegetable seedlings.
Parsnip seed can be sown any time from early February onwards up till
the mid April. Pick a day when the soil is not water-logged nor should
it be frozen. Make a V shaped drill about 2 cm (�
inch) deep and drop seed into it at 2 cm (� inch) intervals. Cover the
seeds over with soil and water well if the conditions are dry. If you
want to sow more than 1 row of seeds, space the rows 30-45 cm
(12-18 in) apart. Parsnip seeds do not store well so make sure you use
fresh seed.
February is the last month to prune apple and pear trees.
Click here for the main article on pruning apple trees.
A herbaceous perennial is a plant which dies back to the ground each
year and then re-grows the next year. Examples of this plant group
include anemones, astilbe, campanula, aster, penstemon and phlox. Late
February is a good time to divide large clumps of herbaceous perennials.
This should be done every four years or so because it will improve their
vigour.