January Gardening: 8 jobs to do in your garden this month
We might not be spending much time in our gardens in these winter months, but the new year brings opportunities to get a head start with our outdoor spaces. Take a look at our top tips for things to do in your garden this January.
Wondering what to plant in January? Or perhaps you’ve moved into a new home this winter and have no idea where to start with your outdoor space.
Just because it’s not quite warm enough to get out the BBQ and sun lounger, don't let the cold weather put you off. You don't need to wait until spring or summer to start working on your garden. There are plenty garden of jobs to do in January that will set you up to see beautiful blooms and a stunning outside space in the coming months.
Take a look at our top tips for what you can do in your garden at the start of the year.
1. Plan for the year ahead
If you’ve recently moved into a new Persimmon home, or are about to move, thinking about what to do with your new garden is an exciting prospect. January is the perfect time to plan, and start visualising how you would like your outdoor space to look by the time summer arrives. Always fancied growing your own vegetables? Maybe you’re dreaming of the perfect outdoor dining area, or beds overflowing with blooms. Either way, this is a great time to start mapping out your space and budgeting for the changes ahead.
2. Order seeds, fruit trees and climbing perennials
January is a good time to order plants and seeds to plant in spring. Based on the plan you’ve drawn up, order seeds for spring-planting flowers such as cosmos, nasturtium, marigold and cornflowers. It’s also a good time to order climbing perennials like clematis and climbing roses, and fruit trees such as pear and crab apple.
Top tip: There are several fantastic apps that can help you plan out your dream garden before you bring it to life. Try iScape or Home Design 3D Outdoor&Garden for mapping out your designs, while RHS Grow and Iris can help you plant, grow and maintain your garden.
3. Plant shrubs and ornamental trees
Another good job to do once you’ve planned your garden for the year ahead, is to start planting large hardy plants like shrubs, hedges and bare-rooted trees. These will provide the main structure for your beds and borders, and add dimension. Holly, privet and acers all make good additions to a garden at this time of year – as long as the ground is clear from frost.
4. Support wildlife by leaving out food
The birds and other wildlife that visit your garden will likely find it more difficult to find food in the cold winter months. You can help them through the winter by continuing to leave out food regularly. High fat content foods such as fat balls and peanut cakes are ideal for birds, along with the usual seeds and grain mixes.
5. Sow vegetable seeds in heated propagators
There are several types of vegetable to plant in January, so they’ll be ready to harvest in summer. Chillies, aubergines and basil seeds can all be sown in individual pots or trays. They’ll need to be kept at consistent temperatures, so it’s worth investing in- a good heated propagator to give seeds the best chance.
6. Plant flower seeds for blooms in summer
There are also several varieties of flower seeds that you can sow in January in time for a summer flowering. Sow geraniums, dahlias, sweet peas and delphiniums in seed trays or small pots, using high quality seed compost and ideally in a heated propagator.
7. Make the most of winter sun
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you can’t spend time in your garden. Fresh air and natural sunlight are important for our health – and if you’ve just moved into a new home with a garden, you’ll want to make the most of it. Choose a dedicated, preferably sheltered area of your garden to use as a cosy winter corner. Fairy lights, throws, cushions and candles will add ambience on even the greyest of days. Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink and take in that crisp air.
(image: our.glamishome)
8. Caring for houseplants in January
The good news is, that as most houseplants enter a dormant phase in winter, you won’t need to attend to them quite as frequently as in the rest of the year. They will, however, need some care to get them through the colder months. Reduce watering to roughly once a fortnight, and maximise the amount of light your plants are getting by moving them to windowsills and wiping dust off leaves.
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