Preparing for spring

January is traditionally a slow gardening month but if you want to get ahead for the season to come then why not drop in and get some free advice from our team of in-house experts…

Here are eight easy tasks to be getting on with this month:

1.      Add a splash of colour to your garden this spring with our super selection of potted bulbs bursting with flower buds all ready to plant now. They’re ideal for both containers and beds and even on windowsills indoors.

2.      Now’s a good time to check plants growing in containers. If they have become pot-bound and the roots completely fill the pot, it may be time to repot them or plant them in the garden.

3.      Those that can remain in their pots for at least another year will benefit from top dressing. Remove the top inch or so of compost and replace it with fresh compost and add a controlled-release fertiliser for perfect results.

4.      Thinking of growing potatoes this year? Why not try a new variety? There are lots to choose from.

5.      When you buy potatoes remember to keep them cool and frost free at home until you’re ready to chit them. Chit them, lay the potatoes out on old egg trays or crumpled newspaper on top of a box and don’t forget somewhere light and frost free.

6.      Now’s the time to plant ground cover shrubs and perennials to help keep weeds down. To save more time on weeding and give all plants the best possible start don’t forget to buy weed-suppressing membrane. To hide it, cover with bark, gravel or similar materials.

7.      It’s good to get out of the house in January and if there is no frost about lets prune some of that soft fruit. A good sharp pair of secateurs is a start. On all soft fruit cut out crossing stems and damaged and diseased wood.

8.      Gooseberries on the go? – Cut back new growth by half. This will induce more fruit.