During February, there is enough light to garden to 5pm in the early evenings, which just fills Monty Don with joy.
“By the end of the month that extra light stretches to 6pm,” he beamed. “It’s getting lighter every day.”
In his garden, Monty Don witnesses the emergence of snowdrops, crocus, hellebores and aconites, all appearing daily.
Writing for his blog, Monty noted: “There is a lot to do in the garden to get it ready for spring and it becomes really important to use what good weather there is.”
Now is a good time to “start sowing seeds under cover, moving plants in borders or adding new ones”.
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Monty added: “Certainly planting any bare-root trees, shrubs or hedges should be completed by the end of the month.”
Any pruning of roses, fruit trees or outgrown hedges “should be completed” by now.
In preparation for filming Gardeners’ World, which begins in the first week of March, Monty is turning the compost heap, laying the path, checking the mower still works and inspecting garden furniture.
“In the vegetable garden I dig and, if the soil is dry enough, sow broad beans and plant onion sets,” he said.
“However, I do not worry about this – the readiness of the soil is much more significant than the date on the calendar.”
Monty draws his attention to the potting shed and greenhouse during this time that has “become the centre of activity”.
The gardening enthusiast spends his time sowing seeds, taking dahlias out of hibernation, and chitting potatoes
“There is a temptation to sow too much,” he admitted, but gardeners at home should know “almost everything that is to eventually be planted outside is better left until March”.
In February, now is the time to get borders mulched to “make a big difference and pay real dividends right through the year”.
Mulching helps to suppress weeds and ensures the soil retains moisture and is well-fed.
“Keep on feeding birds as they are now beginning to mate, nest and lay their first clutches of eggs,” said Monty.
“The better nourished the parent birds are, especially in cold weather, the larger and healthier the offspring will be.”
