Jobs to do in the garden in January

 
During January, your garden could need protecting from all sorts of weather conditions from frosts and snow flurries to heavy rain and wind. It is important to make sure you check any ties, stakes or other supports for damage and replace them if necessary. 
 
Also, consider moving plants and bulbs in containers to sunnier positions to help make the most of the sunlight. 

If you have any winter scented shrubs such as Sarcococca in a pot they can be moved to a more prominent position, for example close to your front door so you can appreciate the scent.

Plant

• For an early crop, potatoes can begin to be grown in containers undercover
• Raspberry canes can be planted in sunny sites with well-drained soil
• Beetroot, lettuce, radishes and spinach crops can be sown in seed trays
• If you haven’t already done so plant tulip bulbs, as long as they are firm and free from mould
• Bare rooted roses can be planted in sunny spots
• Start sowing sweet peas undercover
• New fruit trees can be planted now as long as the soil isn’t too wet or frozen.

Prune

• Continue to prune wisteria
• Remove old hellebore leaves, as this will make the flowers more visible when they bloom
• Cut back any damaged, diseased or old stems from willow trees
• Cut down the old stems of perennial plants
• Cut back any old foliage from ornamental grasses to within a few centimetres of the ground
• Remove any yellowing leaves from winter brassicas because they may encourage pests and diseases
• If you haven’t already done so prune apple and pear trees
• Blackcurrant, gooseberry and redcurrant bushes can be pruned too.