10 Things to Do in the Garden in January

It can feel like winter will never end in some areas of the country, but January is a great time to get out into the garden. It’s a chance to do some work that won’t be possible in the warmer months of the year and can help to make your garden ready for spring.

Doing these jobs in the garden will keep you warm and ensure that your garden will be in tip-top condition when you are able to get out again in spring.

Cut Back Perennial Grasses and Tidy Up Other Border Plants

The weather is likely to remain dry in most areas of the country throughout January so it’s a good time to tidy up perennial grasses and other border plants in preparation for the new growing season. This will not only make the border look neater but it’s also a good opportunity to encourage new growth by cutting back dead stems and leaves.

Dig Over Unused Beds

It is always a good idea to prepare beds and borders for planting by digging over them and adding bulky organic matter to improve the soil, particularly if you have clay soil. This will aerate the soil and prevent soil compaction.

Take Stock and Plan for the New Year

During a long, cold and dark winter it’s easy to lose sight of what you have already achieved in your garden. This is a good time to get out with a notebook and take a look around at your garden and think about the changes you want to make this year.

Aim for one change each week and see how it makes a difference in your garden. It could be as simple as using less water, composting more or making your garden more energy efficient.

Listen to the Songbirds

Nothing livens up a dull day in the garden than the fluttering of a flock of songbirds. Add some bird seed to a feeder this month and watch the birds visit your garden.

Start a Garden in January

A great way to use your January gardening time is to begin planning your next year’s garden and purchasing seeds. Buying seeds and planning your garden this early can mean that you will be able to sow your crops in the best conditions for success.

Begin by making a list of the edible and flower seeds you would like to grow this year. This will help you to choose the best seeds and varieties for your soil type, location and climate.

Sow a few seeds of your chosen seeds indoors this January and then transplant them into the garden when the temperature has been higher. This will give you a head-start on your crops and allow you to get a good start in the spring.

If you want to sow onions for harvest in late spring then January is a great month to sow them as it’s not too cold and they will be ready to transplant out when the weather is a little milder.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://diygardeningtips.com/garden-tips/gardening-tips-for-july/