January Gardening To-Do List

January Gardening To-Do List

By Rachael – Content Editor

Published 31st December 2021

Happy New Year!

In the new year, we find ourselves full of fresh energy and good intentions. Why not channel that energy into your garden so it’s in tip-top condition for Spring?

Use fleece to protect vulnerable plants from frost.

If you haven’t done so already, make sure to wrap up any vulnerable plants with some garden fleece. The weather can get extremely cold in January and your fewer hardy plants will need a little bit of extra help to get through it. If you have covered your plants already, be sure to check on them regularly.

Tidy flower beds, removing dead growth and leaves.

Get out and enjoy the fresh, crisp morning air. Have a good tidy around the whole garden and clear away any dead growth and fallen leaves. Prep the soil and flower beds as much as possible ready for sprouting bulbs or future planting.

Mulch fruit trees and roses.

There are many different types of mulch, such as bark, straw or grass trimmings. Mulch is important as it helps the soil stay moist and retain nutrients. Spread a generous layer of your chosen mulch around roses and fruit trees this month. We would recommend some good quality compost of bark for your roses, and straw or grass trimmings for your fruit trees.

Wash and sterilse greenhouses.

Once your winter growth has dwindled, it is time to give the greenhouse a good spruce up. Bring any resident plants out and set them somewhere safe and sheltered. Sweep out any debris from the floor and disinfect all the hard surfaces with a suitable cleaning solution (make sure to follow manufacturer instructions).

Clean any slippery decking and paving with soapy water or patio cleaner.

Paths and patios often have a build-up of algae growth and moss over the colder months. Give them a once over with some soap water and a stiff garden brush.

Put food and water out for hungry birds.

Wild birds need a lot of high-energy foods during the cold months to maintain their fat reserves. Provide a steady and regular amount of fresh water and nutritious wild bird food somewhere dry and safe for them. A bird feeder is ideal, as long as it is kept clean and out of harm’s way.

Time to plant bare-root rose shrubs, hedging and ornamental trees, if the ground isn’t frozen.

Once the ground is soft enough, prepare the planting area using a garden fork to make sure the soil is loose and remove any large stones.

Prune roses when they are dormant.

Depending on the type of rose, pruning them can be somewhat of an art. We would recommend researching your roses before beginning to prune. There is a fantastic guide here by the RHS.

Buy your seed potatoes, onions, shallots and garlic bulbs.

Get yourself down to your local Cherry Lane or visit our online shop and stock up on seasonal vegetable seeds and tubers. Make sure to get plenty of fresh and nutritious compost, ensuring your plants have the very best start. Those new potatoes will be delicious in a summer salad!