Gardening in January
While January may feel like a quiet month in the garden, it’s actually a great time to get a head start on preparing for the new growing season. Although the weather might be cold and frosty, there are still plenty of things you can do to ensure your garden is ready for the burst of spring. Here are a few tips to keep you busy and thinking ahead!
1. Tidy Up Your Garden Beds Winter storms can leave debris scattered around the garden, so now’s the perfect time to tidy up. Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and any dead plant material to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold. If you have any perennials, you can cut back old stems and tidy up the borders.
2. Start Planning Your Spring Planting Now is the time to plan ahead for spring. Think about what you’d like to plant once the weather warms up. Do you want to add a new flower bed, grow more vegetables, or create a wildlife-friendly space? Take some time to browse seed catalogues and make a list of your goals for the season.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs January is an ideal time to prune certain trees and shrubs. Removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches will help promote healthier growth in the spring. Just be careful not to prune anything that blooms early in the year, as you could cut off next season’s flowers.
4. Prepare for Spring Lawn Care If the weather allows, you can start to prepare your lawn for the spring. Rake up any moss or thatch, and consider applying a winter feed to your grass. This will help it recover from the cold months and be ready for the warmer weather ahead.
5. Check Your Tools and Equipment It’s easy to forget about garden tools during the winter, but now’s a great time to check your spades, shears, and lawnmowers. Clean them, sharpen them, and oil any moving parts so they’re ready to go when spring arrives.
Hint & Tip:
Winter sowing is a great way to get a jump start on the growing season! You can plant hardy seeds like peas, sweet peas, or broad beans in containers and leave them outside during the winter. The cold temperatures naturally “shock” the seeds into germinating early, so you’ll have stronger plants ready to go when spring comes around.
By getting these jobs done now, you’ll be ahead of the game when the days start to warm up. And remember, January is a great time to plan, as we all dream of a colourful, flourishing garden!
Happy gardening, from all of us at Inside Out Norfolk! 🌿