Gardening Jobs for January

It’s a new year and now is the time to assess the lay of the land. With the garden stripped back, it’s easier than ever to see what needs attention and what can wait.

January isn’t necessarily all about pushing things on, but rather about working with the conditions as they are. Let’s take a look at the jobs that we can all be doing in the garden here and now.

Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and fruit

January remains one of the best times to plant bare-root trees and bushes, provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, roses and hedging plants establish well while dormant, allowing roots to settle before spring growth begins.

Prepare each planting hole carefully, loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter where needed. Firm plants in well to protect against winter winds, and check stakes and ties regularly after heavy weather.

Tip: If soil sticks to your boots or spade, it’s too wet to plant - you can always just wait for drier conditions to avoid compacting the ground.

Prune fruit trees while they’re dormant

With leaves gone, the structure of fruit trees and bushes is easy to see. Winter pruning helps maintain shape, improves airflow and encourages healthy growth later in the year.

Apples and pears can be pruned now, along with gooseberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. We recommend starting by removing dead, damaged or crossing branches, then thin where necessary. Avoid pruning during prolonged cold spells and work carefully - this is about structure rather than speed.

Tip: Clean secateurs between trees to reduce the risk of spreading disease.

Clear and prepare vegetable beds

If conditions allow, January is as good a time as any to tidy vegetable plots. Remove old crops, fallen leaves and any plant debris that could harbour pests or disease.

Beds can be lightly dug or forked over, incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter where needed. Avoid working soil when it’s wet, as this can damage structure and cause long-term problems.

Sow early crops under cover

While it’s not quite time for outdoor sowing, there are still early crops that can be started under cover. Winter salads can be sown in trays or pots on a bright windowsill, in a cold frame or in an unheated greenhouse.

Broad beans can also be started in pots to transplant later, giving them a head start while soil temperatures remain low. Aim for steady, compact growth rather than warmth, which produces stronger plants.

Tip: Seedlings grown too warm and too quickly are more likely to struggle when moved outside later on.

Plan crop rotations and growing space

With little active growth to manage, January is an ideal time to plan. Review last year’s crops and decide where things will go this season, particularly in vegetable plots where rotation helps reduce disease and nutrient depletion.

Check seed stocks, make a list of what’s needed and think realistically about available space. Planning now helps avoid rushed decisions once sowing begins.

Protect brassicas and winter crops

Winter vegetables may be growing slowly, but they still need attention. Brassicas in particular should be protected from birds, especially during cold or snowy spells when food is scarce.

Check that netting is secure and repair any damage caused by wind. A quick inspection after bad weather helps prevent unnecessary losses.

Check supports, netting and garden structures

Winter weather can loosen stakes, damage netting and weaken fences or supports. Use calmer days to check fruit cages, trellises, raised beds and paths, tightening fixings and making small repairs where needed.

Tip: Make repairs on a dry, calm day - materials are more brittle in cold conditions.

January isn’t a month for forcing progress. Resist the temptation to push growth too early and stop yourself from working frozen or waterlogged soil. Observation is just as valuable as action at this time of year.

By choosing tasks carefully and working with the weather, you set the garden up for a healthier, more manageable season ahead.

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