01.2022 - January Gardening Tips
Our Tips for January
While many of us are still recovering from the festive season, there will be some enthusiastic gardeners out there keen to get back to their gardens.
If this sounds like it could be you, and you're feeling like you need to work off that Christmas pud, then there's nothing like getting moving in the garden again, soaking up some fresh air, and burning off those excess festive calories. Remember if you do spend time outside to keep wrapped up warm!
New Year, New Garden!
Without a doubt, January is one of the most important times of the year; not only does it mark the beginning of the preparation for the new season, but it also presents us with the perfect time to reflect and plan for the year ahead. After all, a tidy mind will equate to a tidy garden!
This month one of the most productive jobs you can do is to make a plan. Sketching out what you will grow where and when throughout the year will not only make the best use of your time now but will also become invaluable as the months go by; what's more, it requires little energy and can be a lot of fun. If on the other hand, you're feeling energetic and eager to get stuck into the garden then there are several jobs you can do. We must warn you though, whilst prospectively rewarding they are a bit laborious.
Top Gardening Jobs This Month
- Recycle your real Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch or replant it if possible - use the chips around your plants, in your compost bin or on slippery garden paths.
- Brush heavy snow (if applicable) from hedges to avoid damage.
- Protect the greenhouse and container plants with bubble wrap.
- Clean the greenhouse and ventilate on sunny days to prevent mould, moss and mildew developing.
- Dig over empty plots that have not already been dug.
- Deadhead winter flowers – clear snow from low growing flowers such as crocuses.
- Avoid using salt if possible – whilst it may be tempting to use on pathways and drives, it doesn’t do your soil any good.
- Start forcing rhubarb.
- Plan vegetable crops for the year, where you will put them etc – think about your garden’s design as a whole.
