Christmas already feels like a long time ago, but the Barnsdale Gardens team hope you enjoyed it as much as they did! Never ready to rest on their laurels, the work doesn’t stop when it comes to looking after these 38 beautifully designed gardens in Rutland.
You may be surprised at the tips from this super knowledgeable team, which can be utilised in your own garden. Take a look below for a medley of jobs that need doing in January …
Propagating Shrub Roses
As long as the ground is not frozen, now is an excellent time to take hardwood cuttings of shrub roses. Choose a healthy, pencil-thick shoot that has grown during the previous summer and remove a section approximately 30cm (12 inches) long. Trim off the soft tip growth with a slanted cut just above a bud, then make a flat cut around 22cm (9 inches) lower, just below a strong, healthy bud. Rooting hormone powder or liquid can be used if available, although it is not essential. Insert the cutting into the ground so that roughly two-thirds is buried. After a year, the new plant can be lifted and replanted in a suitable position, where it will provide years of enjoyment.
Cutting Back Grasses
At this time of year, some ornamental grasses may have collapsed or their seed heads may have deteriorated, reducing their visual appeal in borders and beds. To maintain a neat and attractive garden, these grasses should now be cut back.
Sowing Summer Cabbage
For an early summer harvest, summer cabbage can be sown now. Seeds should be sown thinly in seed trays indoors, as conditions are still too early for direct sowing outside. Once established, seedlings can be pricked out into modules before being planted out in their final positions.
Checking Pigeon Netting
As natural food sources become scarce, pigeons are more likely to target brassica crops. This makes it an ideal time to check that protective netting is correctly positioned and securely fastened, ensuring there are no gaps that birds could exploit.
Monitoring Stored Plants for Disease
Stored tubers and corms, including dahlias, gladioli and begonias, should be checked regularly for signs of disease. Grey mould (Botrytis) is the most common issue and can cause rotting. Any affected areas should be removed promptly to prevent further spread and preserve healthy plant material.
Sowing Sweet Pea Seeds
For those who did not sow sweet peas in autumn, it is not too late to do so now. A popular method is to roll 15cm (6-inch) strips of newspaper into tubes, which will naturally break down in the soil. Fill with compost, insert one seed per tube and cover lightly. Soaking seeds in tap water overnight before sowing can help improve germination rates.
No matter the season, these tips help you stay one step ahead of your garden!
There’s plenty to see and do all year round at Barnsdale Gardens!
Photo credit Steve Hamilton
