Happy New Year to all and we hope you had a lovely Christmas! The new year has kicked in and whilst January may feel like a quiet month in the garden, there’s still plenty to be done — whatever the weather decides to throw at us. With plants mostly dormant and growth slowed right down, now is an ideal time to catch up on essential maintenance, prepare for the season ahead and enjoy a few satisfying winter jobs. It will also help to work off some of those extra pounds we may have put on over the festive season...
A fresh start for the New Year
Whether you’re itching to get back outdoors or just popping out between showers, a little effort in January will pay dividends later in the year, helping your garden get off to a strong start in spring.
Planting & Soil Care
If the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, January is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Bare-root plants are widely available now and are excellent value, particularly if you’re planting hedging or revamping a border. Once planted, they’ll establish strong roots before growth begins in spring.
Mulching borders and vegetable beds is another worthwhile winter job. Apply a thick layer (around 5cm / 2 inches) of well-rotted manure or garden compost to improve soil structure, help retain moisture in dry spells and improve drainage during wet weather.
Tidying Perennials & Winter Colour
Cut back soggy or collapsed perennials that have died down and clear away fallen leaves from beds. This helps reduce hiding places for slugs and snails and keeps borders looking tidy.
Hellebores benefit from having their old leaves removed now. This makes their beautiful winter flowers easier to see and helps prevent hellebore leaf spot, a common fungal problem.
Don’t forget winter bedding — deadheading winter pansies will encourage a fresh flush of flowers and keep containers looking cheerful through the colder months.
Pruning Jobs for January
January is an important pruning month for many plants. Wisteria can be pruned now (or in February), cutting back last summer’s growth to two or three buds from the main framework to encourage flowering later in the year.
Shrub roses can also be pruned, removing dead, damaged and spindly growth before cutting healthy stems back by about a third. Always use sharp, clean secateurs and cut just above an outward-facing bud.
This is also the ideal time to prune apple and pear trees, along with soft fruit such as blackcurrants, gooseberries and redcurrants, helping to improve airflow and fruit production.
Vegetables & Edible Treats
If you’re keen to get growing early, you can prepare soil for early peas by covering it with fleece, black plastic or cloches to help warm the ground.
Rhubarb lovers can force an early crop by placing a bucket or forcing pot over the crown. This encourages the growth of tender, pale pink stems a few weeks ahead of the usual season.
For a taste of fresh produce indoors, sow microgreens on a bright windowsill. They’re quick, easy and provide a welcome splash of green in mid-winter.
Wildlife, Bulbs & Garden Care
Birds need extra help at this time of year, so keep feeders topped up with high-energy foods such as sunflower seeds and suet. Make sure bird baths and water bowls are kept clean and ice-free.
Check stored bulbs like dahlias, begonias and tulips regularly, removing any that show signs of rot and making sure others aren’t drying out.
When working in the garden, keep an eye out for emerging bulbs such as snowdrops, winter aconites and early daffodils — take care not to tread on these early signs of spring.
Tools & Preparation
January is the perfect time to get tools in order. Clean and sharpen secateurs, service lawnmowers and wash out old pots and trays so they’re ready for seed sowing in the weeks ahead.
A little preparation now means less rushing when the gardening season really gets going.
Everything you need for January gardening
From tools and compost to bird food, seeds and bare-root plants, we have everything you need to tackle winter jobs with confidence. Visit us in Boyle or Roscommon, or shop online at your convenience.
