January Jobs

Jobs to do in January

There's nothing better on a freezing January day than browsing through seed catalogues and gardening books.  If you've managed to get your nearest and dearest to buy you some of the latest offerings from your favourite gardening subscriptions or TV gardening heroes for Christmas then all the better as January is the perfect month to curl up and read how things are done by the experts when the cameras have left.

January is bleak.  Snow is a common feature, as is frozen soil, frosted lawns and hungry birds.  There are still jobs to be done, even if it may only be clearing ice from the bird baths, topping up the feeders and taking a stroll around the garden looking for signs of life.  My list is by no means exhaustive, but it does concern my own garden and the plants within it.  I am sure as time goes by I will add to the list, and move things back or forth in the months as the seasons don't necessarily stick to the months exactly.

Other jobs for the month:

Prune the staghorn tree.  Pruning in winter means that vigorous growth will be triggered.  Pruning in summer does the opposite and restricts growth. Other trees to prune if necessary include acers and the apple tree.  Remove any crossing, weak or diseased branches.

Water pots and hanging baskets.  Even in the depths of winter, plants need water to survive and the winds at this time of year can be very drying.  Use the finger method.  Push your finger into the compost, if it feels dry then water it.  Don't rely on the winter rains to water the plants in containers as the canopy of foliage and flowers can act as an umbrella.

Knock snow off evergreens.  As pretty as it looks, snow can damage evergreens as the weight can snap the branches and stems.

Wash containers and pots in preparation for the year ahead.  

Check the pump on the pond.