Jobs for the garden – January

January – the coldest month of the year! Although February is also on the chilly side, so far, this crisp new year, January is certainly living up to its name.

Snow, hard frosts and predictions of colder weather to come, it is the perfect month for armchair gardening.

January is a catch-up month. Whilst many of us may be raring to get active following the end of year festivities, it can be a leisurely month in the garden where jobs can be assigned to days where the weather is fairer.

A new year means the new season is on the horizon, so let’s get planning!

Preparing the vegetable patch

• Check brassicas such as kale and brussel sprouts to ensure the net is in place. If sprout stems are growing tall, tie to a stake to prevent wind damage.
• Once you’ve sorted through your seeds and added new ones to your collection, start planting from seed onions, broad beans and aubergines in trays.
• Prepare the ground for early peas.
• Chit early seed potatoes ready for planting.
• Clear out old crops and hardy weeds.
• Add a good soil conditioner such as 6X Natural Fibrous Fertiliser to replenish some of the nutrients in preparation for spring planting.
• Winter prune apple and pear trees, but do not prune stoned fruit trees such as plums and cherries.
• Plant bare root fruit canes such as raspberries and gooseberries.
• In the greenhouse, check early crops for aphids and remove.
• Check stored fruit and vegetables for rot and remove any that are starting to go bad to prevent spreading to healthier crops.
• Feed spring cabbages and any leafy vegetable with a high nitrogen feed such as Growmore to encourage leafy growth.
• Continue to sow winter salad leaves for a continual supply.
• Plan crop rotation for the coming season and remember to order seeds, bare root fruit canes and new catalogues which are available now.

Winter blooms

• Start to sow hardy annuals in seed trays. Poppies, sweet peas and violas will add colour to the garden when in bloom. Take a look at the ‘Growing the best sweet peas’ blog for handy tips.
• Pinch out side shoots on early sown sweet peas to re-energise growth.
• Plant bare root roses and shrubs if the ground is not frozen.
• Deadhead winter pansies and other flowers that have bloomed.
• Continue to prune dormant climbing roses and cut back wisteria.
• Tidy up perennials and prune rhododendrons. Rhododendrons don’t need hard pruning, but take a look at ‘Getting the best from Azaleas and Rhododendrons’ for guidance.
• Clear away soggy stems and fallen leaves.
• Check for rot on stored dahlia tubers. Remove any that show signs of disease to prevent spread to healthy tubers.
• Although houseplants do not need too much attention, ensure they have enough light and do not dry out. Water as needed and check for aphids who will love the warm air.
• Once houseplants have bloomed, check if they need to be re-potted. Orchids tend to grow quite quick and if the silvery tendrilled roots are brimming over the top, re-pot once flowering has finished.

Garden maintenance

• Shake snow from plants, hedges etc to prevent weighing down leaves and causing damage.
• Try not to walk on lawns, especially in snow and heavy rain to prevent damage.
• Clean bird feeders, water baths etc with Greenhouse Disinfectant to prevent disease.
• Clean tools in preparation for the new season and book in a service for larger machinery.
• Check fences, stakes and plant protection such as fleeces for damage and mend or replace.
• Remove debris from growing areas. Fallen leaves, rubbish etc, should be removed.

There are always jobs that can be done in the garden and how much or little you do at this time of year is up to you. There are chillier times ahead, so order those catalogues and plan the garden you want this year in the comfort of your home. The garden will wait.