The Gardeners Almanac

The place to find out what to do in the garden this week
My Back Garden

Miscellaneous Tasks in January

Overview:

This month is about getting things ready for the season ahead.

The timing of certain tasks will often be determined by the weather, so to this end, the tasks listed below should be done as and when it is practicle.


Note: As with most advice on gardening the advisors location will often influence the content of the advice.

To alleviate this problem I have produced this chart indicating how you can make adjustments to the timing of events as seen in this website.

I hope you find this useful! .......Tg


At any time this month:

Check over Garden tools and service them as necessary.

Wash / clean pots and trays in preparation for propagation.

Set cloches over seedbeds to warm the soil.

After heavy falls of snow, ensure that branches are on trees and shrubs are not weighed down to breaking point.

Do not walk on lawns when frozen.

Plan your garden layout and plant needs.

Sort seeds packets into the order they will be required.

Continue keeping garden free of windblown detritus.

Apply a winter wash to kill off algal slime and moss on paving.

Remove deep-rooted Weeds growing through gravel paths or paving.


Week 1 - 1st Jan. to 7th Jan.

Order flower and vegetable seeds if you have not already done so.

Take protective measures for cold weather.

Cover Coldframes if necessary.

Turn off the outdoor water supply if not done previously.

Order seeds and plants if you have not already done so.


Week 2 - 8th Jan. to 14th Jan.

Cover compost heap to conserve generating heat.

If you have not turned over the compost heap do it now.

Check over Heaters etc to see if the are working safely.


Week 3- 15th Jan. to 21st Jan.

Keep a watch on humidity levels in the greenhouse.

Check that all young Trees and Shrubs are securely tied / supported.



Week 4 - 22nd Jan. to 28th Jan.

Check over potted shrubs to see if they are pot bound, if they are, re-pot them into larger Pots / Containers.