Gardening jobs for January

January gardening tasks are largely focused on preparation, maintenance, and planning. While it’s still winter, and the ground may be frozen or wet, there’s plenty to keep gardeners busy:

General Maintenance
– Clean and repair tools**: Sharpen shears, spades, and other tools. Check machinery like mowers for servicing.
– Tidy paths and borders**: Sweep away leaves and debris to keep areas clear and prevent slippery surfaces.
– Check for winter damage**: Inspect fences, stakes, and trellis for weather damage and repair as needed.

Ornamental Gardening
– Prune dormant trees and shrubs: Focus on apples, pears, and currants while they’re dormant. Avoid pruning stone fruit to prevent silver leaf disease.
– Cut back faded ornamental grasses: If they’re looking untidy, cut them down to a few inches above the ground.
– Inspect stored bulbs and tubers: Discard any showing signs of rot.
– Protect tender plants: Use fleece, cloches, or mulch to shield them from frost.

Fruit and Vegetable Gardening
– Plan for the season ahead: Order seeds, bare-root fruit trees, and shrubs for spring planting.
– Sow seeds indoors: Start early crops like onions, chillies, and tomatoes in heated propagators.
– Check stored produce: Inspect apples, potatoes, and other stored crops for signs of decay.
– Prepare soil for planting: If the weather is mild, dig over beds and incorporate organic matter.

Wildlife and Sustainability
– Feed garden birds: Provide fresh water and food to support wildlife through winter.
– Create habitats: Leave piles of leaves and logs for insects and hedgehogs.

January is the perfect time to step back, take stock of your garden, and get a head start on the coming year. With a little effort now, you’ll be ready for a productive growing season ahead!