ESSENTIAL Gardening Jobs for January

The weather might be cold and dark at this time of year but that doesn't mean that there isn't still plenty to do out in the garden. The harsh weather means that you will have protect your plants from the cold and the fact that Spring is only a few months away means you need to start thinking about seeds too.

So here are 16 ESSENTIAL jobs for January.

Planting

If the ground is suitable, deciduous shrubs and trees can still be planted; otherwise, store them in a frost-proof place for a few days. Wrap the roots in wet newspaper and place them in plastic bags (much better than leaving roots in a bucket of water).

Fruit Trees

In the fruit garden, complete any winter pruning of top fruit and spray with a 'Winter Tree Wash' to help control hibernating insects.

Grapes

Prune grape vines (if you leave it after mid-February, the running cuts will bleed for weeks).

Root Cuttings

Take root cuttings of plants like anchusa, oriental poppy, phlox, gaillardia, and perennial verbascum to provide plants to put out in spring. Cut up the roots into pieces about 5cm (2in). Place in pots and cover the compost surface with grit to keep slugs at bay.

Seed Sowing

Sow sweet pea seeds, pre-germinate the seeds on trays of damp paper to help germination and growth. Place two or three 'chitted' seeds to an 8cm (3in) pot.

Supports & Ties

Check ties and supports used for climbing plants, trees, and shrubs to make sure they are still sound and doing their job. Remove or trim back any shoots or stems suffering from wind damage.

Bulbs

Some bulbs in pots and bowls will be starting to flower during January. To create a slight succession of blooms, keep some of the bowls in a cold, light place, and put other bowls into the living-room or conservatory on a sunny window-ledge to encourage the blooms, but be sure to remove the bowls on frosty nights from behind the curtains.

Container Plants

In freezing weather, stand potted plants in larger containers and place layers of bubble wrap insulation in the cavity between the two pots. Only the side, do not cover the base or the top to allow for drainage.

Snow

After heavy snowfalls, knock it from the branches of trees, particularly evergreens, where the weight can cause foliage to splay out and the branches to break.

Frost Heave

If frost lifts newly planted shrubs or perennials (frost heave), push them back with your boot heel, firming the soil down all around the plants.

Indoor Plants

Move indoor plants off window sills on cold nights to prevent them from getting chilled.

Forcing Rhubarb

Lift crowns of rhubarb for forcing, and if they are frozen, so much the better. Pack them in soil in boxes or pots and put them under the greenhouse staging or in a shed. Cover the boxes or pots to keep them in total darkness. In a temperature of between 13-18°C (55-65°F), sticks should be produced for pulling in about four weeks.

Wildlife

Continue to top up bird feeders regularly and replace the ice in bird baths with fresh water. Also, float a ball or piece of wood on the surface of ponds and water features to lessen the chances of ice forming.

Lawns

Avoid walking on frozen lawns to prevent the grass blades from being damaged by your footprints.

Christmas Trees

If you had a fresh, cut Christmas tree, either cut it into small pieces and compost or shred it and apply as a mulch over the bare garden soil.