The Garden in January

Herbaceous

If you have left the skelton framework of stems and seed heads of any  perennials or grasses then you can start to cut these back in order to make space for new stems and foliage in the new season.

If there is a mild, dry spell, you can lift and divide perennials to create new and rejuvinate old plants.

Remove fallen leaves which have gathered on alpine beds which can cover small delicate plants.

This is a good chance to remove old and dying Hellebore leaves  (Especiallly Niger) which in turn, will make seeing the flowers easier and lessen the possibility of foliar diseases.
 

Water features and aquatic plants

Continue to remove leaves from nets over ponds or rake out leaves from ponds which are not netted. Check the level of the water on a regular basis as freezing of the water can cause damage to the liner. If the weather is mild, and the fish are active, they can be fed.

Check any protected plants are still covered.


Lawns

If the weather is mild and dry, lawns may be repaired and returfed. Check drainage outlets to ensure they are not blocked. If the ground is not too wet, continue to aerate the lawn. Moles are active in the first couple of months of the year and brush away worm casts which can be troublesome at this time of year.


Fruit and Vegetables

Prune established open grown apple and pear trees. Prune and take hardwood cuttings of black, red, whitecurrants and gooseberries.

January is a good time to plant new fruit bushes.

Harvest sprouting broccoli, Brussels sprouts and leeks. Lift Jerusalem artichokes. Start forcing rhubarb.


Pests and Diseases

Look out for the crowns of died back perennials for signs of rot (Crown rot, Black Root Rot, Sclerotinia and Delphinium black blotch). Plants growing on clay and poorly drained soil are particularly effected.

Keep your eyes open for black spot and downey mildew on winter flowering pansies. Remove affected diseased leaves and any plants which are fully affected.

Keep a watch out for mice on stored vegetables and slugs and pigeons in the garden.

Check on bulbs and tubors for signs of rot and mould, removing and destroying any which could spread it to others.  


General 

Continue to remove fallen leaves from alpine beds. Drainage can be improved on heavy soils by working in organic matter (Grit is only effective when used in conjunction with organic matter).

January is a good time to plant roses. Collect leaves which have fallen onto alpine beds. Plant bare root trees and move established, dormant deciduous trees as log as the ground is not water logged or frozen.

Hardwood cuttings of ornamental shrubs maybe taken now.

Prune wisteria, Ivy, Virginia Creeper, and ornamental vines.


The garden advice and plant information contained on this page has been created as accurately as possible, but localised weather conditions and yearly variations in climate mean that information should be used as a general guide only and acted upon accordingly.

Kirman Design customers can click here to log into their account here. (You will need your username and password).