Spring might feel like it’s still a long way away, but it’s only nine or ten weeks until the clocks go forward and the evenings are light again. Nature never sleeps, so it’s never too early to start preparing for the warmer weather and the next growth cycle.
Here’s your handy January to-do list for your garden.
Plant some fruit trees
Plant your bare-root fruit trees in January. You’ll need well-prepared soil so use a good all-round fertiliser and stake the trees securely. You should also carry on watering the trees even if it’s a bit wet and windy.
Check existing tree ties and stakes
High winds and general wear and tear can make free ties and stakes from previous years weaker, so give them a once over and replace any that look a bit loose or fragile.
Look after them indoors
It’s not just your outside plants you need to take care of. Look over your indoor plants for signs of mites, scale or general dust and dirt, before wiping the leaves over with a soft damp cloth.
Shred your Christmas tree
If you had a real Christmas tree you can shred it and use the clippings for mulch. If your tree was pot-grown you could even try to plant it for next Christmas.
Keep an eye on your gutters
Carry on clearing gutters, drains and pathways – there will still be leaves blowing into them – and put the sweepings on your compost heap.
Clean up your greenhouse
Your greenhouse won’t have seen much action over the winter and its panes will probably have accumulated quite a bit of grime. Give the glass a clean, check over trays and pots and empty out any water butts.
Prepare empty garden beds
Work in lots of well-rotted manure or compost and start getting wire cages or netting ready to protect any seedlings from birds and squirrels.
Protect fruit trees from pests
Use insect barrier glue to deter and/or trap pests like winter moths and weevils.
