As a new year begins, it's time to reconnect with your garden. Even in the midst of winter, there are opportunities for growth and rejuvenation. Explore our top 15 gardening tips for January and embrace the season.
15 Gardening Tips for a Thriving January Garden
- Plant Trees and Shrubs: Winter is an ideal time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs, offering a cost-effective way to enhance your landscape.
- Mulch Wisely: Apply a generous layer (at least 5cm/2in) of well-rotted manure or compost to your borders and vegetable beds. This improves soil health, aiding in moisture retention and drainage.
- Clean Up: Remove dead perennial foliage and clear away fallen leaves to prevent slug and snail infestations.
- Prune Wisteria: Encourage abundant blooms by pruning last summer's shoots back to 2-3 buds from the main branches.
- Tidy Up Hellebores: Cut back old hellebore leaves to improve flower visibility and minimize the spread of leaf spot disease.
- Boost Winter Pansies: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second wave of vibrant flowers.
- Prune Shrub Roses: Remove dead, damaged, and spindly growth. Then, cut back branches by a third just above an outward-facing bud.
- Mind the Bulbs: Be mindful of emerging winter aconites, daffodils, and snowdrops while working in the garden.
- Support Local Birds: Provide a steady supply of high-energy food (sunflower seeds, suet balls) and clean water for birds.
- Check Stored Bulbs: Inspect stored bulbs (tulips, dahlias, begonias) for signs of drying or rotting.
- Sharpen Your Tools: Take advantage of the winter lull to sharpen your lawnmower blades and secateurs, and clean out old pots.
- Warm Up the Soil: Prepare for early pea sowing by covering the ground with fleece, black plastic, or cloches.
- Prune Fruit Trees: Prune apple, pear, and soft fruit trees (blackcurrants, gooseberries, redcurrants).
- Force Rhubarb: Encourage early rhubarb growth by covering the plant's crown with a bucket.
- Enjoy Microgreens: Grow fresh microgreens on a sunny windowsill for a taste of spring while you wait.
Don't miss out! Before January ends, visit our garden centre in St Albans and gather all your gardening must-haves.
