February is when winter starts to fade and spring becomes closer and there are many gardening jobs to be getting on with. The days start becoming longer, which is every gardener’s dream.

Temperatures can vary massively in February, with lows of 0.5C and highs of 10C.

One task gardeners can be getting on with for sure is planting flowers to ensure their garden is full of colourful blooms as the spring and summer months begin.

Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, has shared her top tips for winter planting. She said: “If you’re looking to plant some bulbs now and get a head start on your gardening, it’s important to know what you can and can’t plant in winter.

“Some bulbs simply won’t be able to stand the harsh weather conditions that winter brings, and they won’t be able to bloom.

“Knowing which bulbs you can plant now will help to ensure that your garden is thriving in spring.”

1. Lilies

According to Fiona, lily bulbs are quite hardy and can be planted anytime from autumn until spring.

They need rich, well-draining soil as well as a sunny spot in the garden, and will grow best if they are planted 15cm to 20cm deep.

She added: “If the soil in your garden is heavy or doesn’t drain well, you could plant lily bulbs in a pot or container and create a lovely potted display that you can place on your patio. Potted bulbs can later be planted in borders once they're established.”

2. Liatris

Liatris are a tough type of herbaceous perennial that is great for attracting wildlife, such as butterflies and bees, into your garden.

The bulbs produce large blooms, which eventually form a clump and can then later be divided in spring.

Fiona said: “These bulbs must be planted in well-drained soil and should be located in an area with plenty of light. Plant these bulbs roughly 5cm deep for the best results.”

3. Daffodils

The expert claimed that daffodils are best planted in autumn. However, they can still be “planted in January and February and produce gorgeous blooms in spring”.

She advised loosening the soil where possible and scattering some fertiliser before placing the bulbs on top of the soil. Gardeners should avoid pushing them into the soil as this could damage the bulb.

Once the bulbs are in place, they should be covered with roughly two to four inches of mulch or finished compost, which should be refreshed regularly to give the flowers the best chance of blooming.