January

Our top jobs and advice for the month:

 

  1. Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch

  2. Ventilate the greenhouse on sunny days

  3. Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already

  4. Repair and re-shape lawn edges

  5. Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for rots or drying out

  6. Prune apple and pear trees

  7. Start forcing rhubarb

  8. Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season

  9. Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds

  10. Prepare a polythene shelter for outdoor peaches and nectarines, to protect them from peach leaf curl

  11. Clear any snow from your greenhouse to prevent any glass breaking from the weight.

  12. Protect any tender plants with fleece or take them into the greenhouse.

  13. Take a trip here to buy your seeds . January is a good month to think about what you will be growing this year.

  14. Get your propagation needs now - such as seed compost, plants pots and trays. Be prepared so that you are ready to go.

  15. If you have planted potatoes in planters take them into the greenhouse to avoid them getting frost damage.

  16. Use this time to complete any repair work needed in your garden.

  17. There are still a lot of vegetables that can be picked, mostly roots and brassicas, including leeks, scorzonera, celeriac, parsnips, brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, swede and turnip.