January Tips

At this time of year it is very tempting to ignore the garden and sit in the warmth indoors.  However, there are things which can be done garden-wise especially if you have a greenhouse or conservatory.

If there is any winter digging to do—get on with it providing there is no snow on the ground and it is not frosty.  Leave the ground rough-dug (i.e. leaving as exposed as possible and not breaking the soil down).  This is beneficial, leaving as much of the soil exposed to the elements as possible.  Also, as was mentioned recently in the Byrkley Browser, path repairs and fence repairs can be carried out while you have that bit of extra time available.  Does your mower need repairing or a service?  Get it done now before the world and his wife decide they want theirs doing in March when you need the machine.

In the greenhouse (heated) now is the time to sow both Geraniums and Impatiens.  If they’re not sown early enough they won’t flower until later in the summer.  Both subjects need heat for successful germination (70oF—75oF),  (14oC—17oC).  This can be achieved using an electrically heated propagator.  Once the seedlings have germinated, they must have full light.  Correct watering and ventilation are also vitally important.  If you don’t have the necessary facilities for doing this, you may consider young plants a little later on.  A full range of seedlings and plugs will be available at the appropriate time.  Some subjects start in January with others following on.  Not quite the same as raising your own from seed but a more convenient way of growing on your own young stock.

January is a good time to plan ahead and use the available seed catalogues.  It is much more satisfactory to sow, plant and garden using a pre-conceived plan than to do it ad-hoc - quite costly mistakes can be made because of a lack of pre-planning.

Who knows what January may bring forth regarding the weather?  If we have any heavy snow, remember to remove as much as possible from large specimen shrubs and trees using a broom.  Also if you have a fish pond, keep a part of the surface clear of ice by floating a rubber ball on the water.  This can then be removed to allow a breathing hole for any fish.

Now is a good time to use Winter Tree Wash especially on fruit trees.  If frost is not expected spray on a calm day and apply as per instructions on the bottle.

If you summer-pruned your Wisteria (by cutting back unwanted laterals by half) now is the time to cut back those same laterals hard - to within an inch or two (2.5 - 5cm) of the main stem.  This should produce flowers from the existing buds which should now be just visible in the axil.

Also January can be the time to recheck all tree stakes and ties.  There can be some severe gales at this time of year - better be sure than sorry.