January in the garden seems sleepy and quiet, but in fact it is the perfect time for a new start, planning, pruning and preparing for the year ahead. Whether you have a vast plot or a shared urban garden, there is plenty to keep your green fingers busy. January offers us a golden chance to reflect on the successes (and failures) of the past year, to potter and dream up ideas for our green space. Let’s take a look at things to do in the garden in January…
The Garden In January
Time To Tidy
Start to tidy up your pots, give your tools a good clean and clean your greenhouse ready in time for spring. Tidying up and getting organised will set you up for springtime success! Tidy up any stakes, fences, wooden supports and boxes that might have been damaged by the winter weather.
Prune Your Plants
Now is the time to start pruning your plants. You will see the benefits of this when spring rolls around. Prune your rose bushes in January, now is the perfect time to do this as roses are dormant and will encourage new growth for spring blooms. It is best to cut just above a bud and remove any dead branches.
There are lots of plants that will need a little tender loving care in January. These include, ornamental grasses, perennials plants like sedum, willows, wisteria and deadhead winter pansies. Remove any dead leaves and sweep up and fallen branches.
Plan Your Plot
This is perhaps one of the most exciting things to do in the garden in January. Now is the perfect time to begin planning what you want to plant in your garden over the next few months. Draw up ideas in your journal, decide on a layout and make a list of the seeds and plants that you want to invest in. For me, this means thinking up how I can grow more edibles on our balcony.
The Vegetable Garden
Although the vegetable garden might seem quiet, there are lots of jobs to be done. You can begin by harvesting parsnips and leeks. Remove any yellowing leaves from winter brassicas and prepare the ground for early peas. It is advisable to place a cloche over the soil throughout the depths of winter, this will help warm up the soil for a few weeks before sowing.
My goals for this year include, to grow more edibles on our small balcony. After reflecting on last year, I’ve realised that the top balcony has the best sunshine and is the perfect position for spinach and tomatoes. What are your gardening goals for the year ahead?
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
– Audrey Hepburn
Stay fabulous
Christine
