Preparing the soil, looking after spring bulbs and feeding the birds are among the jobs gardeners need to be getting on with this month according to one gardening expert.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk has listed the jobs green fingered Britons need to be working on during January.
He says cleaning the greenhouse, tidying up the garden and pruning are all essential jobs to be carried out through this winter month to help prepare the garden for Spring.
Other jobs like deadheading winter bedding plants, planning your spring planting scheme and recycling your Christmas tree are also on the list of essential jobs.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress said: “With colder temperatures and short days, it can be hard to get motivated to get out in the garden but January is a good time to get some essential jobs done.
“Spring is just around the corner and getting the garden prepped will save you precious time in the coming months. Keeping on top of any unwanted mess and debris is a must, as is preparing soil beds.
“Think about the plants you can prune – while they’re dormant it’s a good time to cut back so they grow well over the coming year.”
Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s January gardening jobs:
- Tidy up
January is the ideal time to have a tidy up in the garden. Tidy edges, rake up leaves and get rid of any unwanted mess left over from late summer and autumn. Remember to add the leaves to your compost.
- Looking after spring bulbs
If you planted spring flowering bulbs during autumn, spread mulch over the beds now before they begin to emerge from the soil.
- Deter slugs and snails
If you’ve been growing leafy crops over the winter, remove old leaves to deter slugs and snails. If you’re growing in planters, don’t forget to check around these too.
- Plant fruit trees
Bare root fruit trees can be planted this month. Make sure you prepare the soil before planting with a good fertiliser and stake the trees properly. Don’t forget to water them too.
- Prepare the soil
Dig over any empty beds ready for spring planting. Fork in plenty of well rotted manure or compost to add goodness to the soil.
- Clean the greenhouse
If you have a greenhouse, January is a good time to wash the glass panels to remove dirt and grime. Clean any trays and pots too so they’re ready to be used in spring.
- Plants to prune
January is a good time to prune some plants. Apple and pear trees can both be pruned as can wisteria, honeysuckle, rhododendrons and roses.
- Deadhead winter bedding
Winter bedding plants will still need looking after in January. Deadhead them to encourage more flowers.
- Feed the birds
Remember to keep putting food out for the birds and give you bird feeders a clean too. If it’s particularly cold, make sure to break any ice on your bird bath.
- Recycle your Christmas tree
If you have a Christmas tree with a root, get it planted into the garden. Think about the height it will grow to and the spread when picking a spot for it. Cut trees can be disposed of as garden waste or taken to a local recycling centre.
- Planning for spring
If you haven’t done it already, start thinking ahead to spring and planning your garden. Order any seeds and any plants you’ll be introducing to your garden.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
