January is historically a quiet month for doing work in the garden, but there are still a number of jobs to look at.
Prune wisteria side shoots back to 2 buds for flowering. Prune back rose bushes to just above a bud, remove any shoots that are dead, diseased, or crossing over each other.
Cut back ornamental grasses to a few centimetres before they start to regrow.
Tidy herbaceous perennials, remove any dead leaves on Hellebores before they start flowering.
Dead head winter pansies.
Check stored dahlia and canna tubers for rots, and remove any diseased ones immediately.
Sow – Early peas and broad beans, all under protection. Protect them from mice.
Harvest – Leeks, parsnips, Brussel sprouts, winter cabbage, kale, celeriac, Swiss chard, Swedes, salad leaves, cauliflower.
Plan the vegetable plot so that crops are not grown in the same place more than once in every 3 years. Group similar crops such as cabbages and kale together so that it is easier to provide the correct growing conditions.
Sort through vegetable seeds, checking sow by dates and quantities, and make a list of which new ones to buy. Always sow fresh seeds for carrots, parsnips, and peas and beans. Place them in order of sowing, and write labels ready.
Feed autumn-planted onions and garlic with a high potash feed such as Sulphate of Potash, or a seaweed-based fertiliser.
Buy seed potatoes as they become available and place in egg boxes on cool, frost-free windowsill to chit ( grow small shoots ) before planting out in March.
Start forcing rhubarb now by covering with an upturned bucket or bin to exclude light.
Remove dead and diseased leaves on brassicas, they can harbour pests.
Continue planting new fruit trees and bushes as long as the ground is not waterlogged or frozen.
Feed and mulch fruit trees and bushes.
Prune established apples, pears and quinces, along with blackcurrants, gooseberries, redcurrants and all their hybrids.
Either move peaches, nectarines and apricots into a cold greenhouse or polytunnel, or make a plastic cover, to prevent peach leaf curl.
Start a diary. It is amazing how useful this becomes in future years.
Plan the garden for the year, and prepare for any redesign projects.
Prepare for the spring by cleaning pots, tools, and the greenhouse. Take tools and mowers to be serviced and sharpened while it is quiet.
Prune away any trees and shrubs that over hang greenhouses or polytunnels.
Check plant supports are bearing up to the winter storms. Knock in new stakes if necessary.
Avoid walking on the lawn when it is covered with frost or snow.
