Gardening Tips for February: Tools & Techniques for a lush garden

As this long hot Australian summer keeps on keeping on, maintaining a beautiful garden becomes a challenging task. This month we are looking at various aspects of gardening, including how having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore gardening tips for February.

1. Lawn Maintenance with a Lawn Mower: Summer storms, rainy days and humid weather are the perfect combo for fast lawn growth, and this year Brisbane’s had lots of all three. A lot of your February lawn maintenance will be spent mowing and re-mowing your ever-growing lawn. One tip though, as enticing as it may be to cut your grass super short, our scorching hot days can result in burnt grass roots which causes the grass to die. Set your mower to a suitable height, ensuring you don’t cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Mow during the cooler parts of the day, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to prevent stress on the lawn (and yourself!).
2. Precision Edging with a Line Trimmer: If you’ve ever drooled over a show home or open garden, they’ve all got one thing in common and that is beautifully manicured garden edges. A line trimmer is a valuable tool for edging around garden beds, pathways, and other landscaping features. This ensures a neat and tidy appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden. Our tip is to take care not to damage plants while using the line trimmer as there is no second chance once the line trimmer line comes into contact with them.
3. Tackling Overgrown Areas with a Brushcutter: For larger and overgrown areas, a brushcutter with a steel blade is indispensable. Clearing away tall grass, weeds, and unruly vegetation is essential to maintain a well-organized garden. Ensure the brush cutter is equipped with a sharp blade and take breaks to avoid fatigue. Always wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety glasses, when using a brush cutter as particles can fly in all directions.
4. Use a Hedge Trimmer for a Neat Landscape: Hedges contribute significantly to the structure and beauty of your garden, but an untrimmed hedge just looks unruly. Use a hedge trimmer to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. Trim away any dead or diseased branches but be mindful of the specific requirements of each type of hedge. Regular trimming in February will often promote dense foliage growth in many varieties.
5. Reaching New Heights with a Pole Hedge Trimmer: Tall hedges can pose a challenge for those of us who are vertically-challenged, but a pole hedge trimmer allows you to reach new heights without the need for a ladder. Trim the tops and sides of your hedges with an adjustable angle cutting bar, ensuring a uniform appearance. It’s important that you take your time and work systematically to achieve the desired shape without causing stress to the plants.
6. Pruning and Shaping with an Electric Chainsaw: Some trees and shrubs may require more substantial pruning, and an electric chainsaw is the tool for the job. February is an ideal time to shape and prune deciduous trees before they begin their dormant phase. Follow proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and using the chainsaw on stable ground.
7. Reaching High Branches with a 1.8m Pole Saw: To address high branches and tree limbs, a 1.8m pole saw is an invaluable tool. Trim away any dead or damaged branches from Summer storms to promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of falling limbs during future storms. Always work with caution and follow all safety guidelines.

Armed with these essential gardening tips and the right set of tools, your garden has the potential to thrive throughout February. Regular maintenance and proper operating technique will contribute to a lush and vibrant outdoor space for you to enjoy year-round. Take advantage of the summer weather to create a garden that flourishes in the unique Australian climate.