Jobs to do in the garden this January

Jobs to do in the garden this January

Published: 1st January 2023

Jobs to do in the garden this January

We’ve passed the shortest day of the year, which can only mean that we’re heading headfast into the new year and those frosty months.

It’s time to burn those Christmas calories by getting in the garden, fight off the winter blues by releasing endorphins whilst simultaneously creating a tidy outdoor space ready for the up-coming blooming spring months.

Maintenance

Cut Christmas trees can be recycled into mulch which will help keep the moister in during winter and protect tender plants from frost damage. Otherwise, it’s worth looking out for local charities that will take your Christmas trees away to be recycled for a donation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s vital this time of year to keep up with feeding wild birds and animals as their natural food sources will be scarce and they’ll need to build their fat supplies to survive the winter. To find out what the ideal feeds are for the different wild birds and animals visit our bird of the month blogs here or speak to a member of our garden care team.

A simple job to tackle this month is just to clean any pots, water butts, tools and greenhouse ready for planting up in the spring.

Any containers which are already planted up will need a little attention, deadhead where necessary and remove debris regularly. If space allows add in some winter bedding plants like cyclamen and pansies. You’ll find great multibuy offers on pack bedding at Scotsdales stores, so adding a splash of colour to your garden during the winter months can be easily achieved on a budget.

Stakes and supports may have suffered damage over the year, so it’s worth giving them a once over to check if you need to swap them for new, stronger supports.

Take the time to fill our your gardening calendar, working out what your wish to grow and when to start sowing. This is important for allotment or veg plot growing, to make the most of limited space and to ensure a continue supply of crops.

Willow trees can be pruned a little. Thin out any excess branches and remove any damaged and diseased stems.

Pathways need a little care this time of year, clean away any algae to prevent them becoming slippery and lay enough salt before the ice hits but not too much that may cause damage to nearby plants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave herbaceous perennials as they are over the winter months until the warmer weather arrives. Plants like sedums add an attractive feature to the garden when touched with frost.
That being said, ornamental grasses can be cut back in late Feb/ March.

Keep tender plants in the greenhouse or in a cold frame if not done so already. You should also raise any containers on feet and keep them grouped against a house wall to utilise the warmer temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camelia flowers are beautiful but the newly emerging buds can drop when touched with frost, so fleece the plant during icy spells, along with other tender plants, bananas and tree ferns. Straw which can be found in our pet departments makes for a good frost protection for fruit plants such as strawberries and will mulch down over the season.
Fleece is available on the roll or in a variety of bag sizes from our garden care department.

Heavy snow can cause damage to greenhouses, cold-frames and  hedges. Clear off the snow minding broken glass and branches.

Any terracotta pots that aren’t frost proof should be moved indoors or in a shed, failing that wrapping in bubble wrap or fleece should prevent cracking.

Wisteria can be cut back, removing the whippy summer growth to about 2-3 buds.

Frosty lawns can be damaged easily, so avoid walking on them until the frost thaws. 

What to Plant

Hellebores, also known as the Lenten or Christmas rose will still be flowering through until early spring, so take the time to cut away the old and damaged leaves to make the most of this flowering evergreen.

Summer flowering bulbs will start to come into stock later this month. We suggest potting them up in a frost-free greenhouse as they can be too tender to plant out during the cold months. Once risk of frost has passed then it’s the ideal time to plant them out into containers and borders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some varieties  of dianthus, geraniums and begonias can be sown now in the greenhouse or indoors.

Winter bedding like pansies, violas and cyclamen are available now and perfect for filling containers, hanging baskets and borders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any dahlia tubers in storage will need checking over for damage or signs of rot before planting out in late spring.

Sweet peas can be started off now on a sunny windowsill.

Fruit and Vegetable Crops

Winter brassicas may show yellowing leaves. These will need to be removed as you see them to help the plant stay healthy and to avoid pest damage.

Celeriac and celery can be sown now  in a heated propagator.

Raspberry canes are ready now for planting if the soil isn’t too hard. Think about planting a few varieties to cover a longer cropping period. Blueberries can also be planted out now, making sure to plant in ericaceous compost.

If your new years’ resolution is to start growing your own then a great place to start is with the ever versatile potato. They’re an easy and ideal produce to grow even in a small space with the use of potato sacks. With a little bit of planning you can stagger your crops from earlies, to second earlies through to main crop varieties to have a constant supply for most of the year.

Visit our potato blog for a full list of the potatoes available, when to grow them and how to get the best results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parsnips and leeks will need to be harvested as needed.

Rhubarb seeds will germinated in about 20-40 days if sown thinly now on a warm windowsill or heated propagator.

Potatoes that are sprouting will need to be brought in as frost can kills the leaves.

Herbs, salad seeds, cauliflowers, spring onions and spinach do well if sown on a windowsill now.

Apple and pear trees will be dormant now, so it’s a good idea to prune now if not done so already. To find out more about growing and pruning apples click here and for pears click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue to create a productive framework of healthy, fruiting branches on currant plants and gooseberries. To fine out more about growing and pruning gooseberries click here and for currants click here

Rhubarb can be forced with a jar or adapted bucket, placed over the crown. After 8 weeks the rhubarb should be ready to harvest, with tender, and sweeter stems.

Early peas can be sown later this month – Feb, so take the time a few weeks ahead of planting to prepare the ground with a warming cloche.

 

For more tips on how to get the best from your garden this winter, inspirational planting ideas and more please speak to a member of staff in store and we’ll be back again in Feb for more tips for the garden.

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