Jobs in the Garden: January 2025

Jobs to Do in a UK Garden During January

As the New Year begins, January provides an opportunity to prepare your garden for the growing season ahead. While the weather may be cold and wet, there are still essential tasks to tackle, ensuring your garden is ready to spring back to life in the months to come. Here's a list of jobs to focus on in your UK garden during January.

1. Recycle Christmas Trees

If you’ve had a real Christmas tree, now’s the time to recycle it. Many local councils offer tree recycling services, or you can shred it to use as mulch in your garden. The needles can also be added to compost for their acidic properties, beneficial for certain plants.

2. Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

January is an excellent time to prune apple and pear trees, as well as wisteria and other deciduous plants. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth and shape the plant for the coming year.

3. Inspect Stored Bulbs and Tubers

Check bulbs, corms, and tubers that you lifted in autumn for signs of rot or damage. Remove any affected parts to prevent problems from spreading. Ensure they’re stored in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant them again.

4. Plan and Order Seeds

Take some time to browse seed catalogues and order your seeds for the year. Planning your planting schedule now will help you stay organized and make the most of your growing space.

5. Clean Greenhouses and Tools

A thorough clean of your greenhouse and gardening tools in January ensures everything is ready for the busy months ahead. Wash pots, trays, and tools with soapy water to remove dirt and pests. This also reduces the risk of disease in your plants.

6. Feed Garden Wildlife

With food scarce in winter, keep feeding garden birds with seeds, suet, and nuts. Fresh water is also essential, so make sure birdbaths are ice-free. Consider installing nesting boxes for birds and shelters for insects and hedgehogs.

7. Start Early Seed Sowing

For gardeners with heated propagators or indoor growing spaces, January is the time to sow early crops like onions, lettuce, and chillies. Ensure good light and temperature conditions for these seedlings to thrive.

8. Tidy Up Flower Beds

Clear away debris, dead leaves, and spent annuals from flower beds. While leaving some areas wild is good for wildlife, tidying others will reduce hiding places for pests and give your garden a neat start to the year.

9. Mulch and Protect Soil

Add a layer of mulch to protect bare soil from winter erosion and improve its structure. Organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, also helps to prepare your beds for spring planting.

10. Check for Frost Damage

Inspect plants for signs of frost damage and prune away any affected parts. Ensure protective covers, like fleece or cloches, are securely in place to shield tender plants from further cold spells.

Final Thoughts

January may seem quiet in the gardening world, but it’s a month filled with preparation and planning. By staying active and focused on these tasks, you’ll lay the groundwork for a productive and beautiful garden in the year ahead. So, bundle up, get outdoors, and make the most of this reflective time in your gardening calendar!