As the winter weather starts to bite it’s worth getting on top of the gardening jobs you have been putting off. This will stop them mounting up to the point where you have a long list!
Although January is often the coldest month, there will be dry, clear sunny days when you can get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Prune roses, shrubs and fruit trees. Keep lawns clear of leaves. If it’s dry, put your lawnmower on a high setting and run it over the lawn to hoover the leaves up.
Worm casts on the lawn can be unsightly and cause a build up of moss or weeds. When it’s dry take an inverted wire rack and disperse the casts by sweeping the rake from side to side over the lawn.
You can tell worm casts as they are soft sludgy deposits on the surface of the grass.
Don’t forget to get rid of your old Christmas tree. Shred it and add it to the compost heap as a mulch. Also, remember to put out water and food for the birds. Fat balls, nuts and seeds are great. Leave some areas of the garden uncut to provide shelter for small animals and birds during the worst of the weather.
Tidy up a bit. Get rid of any patches on your patio by scrubbing with a broom or jet washing. Scrub pots and planters
When the weather gets too bad, take to your arm chair and plan for the coming season. If you have a vegetable plot, plan your crop rotations for the coming year to avoid overuse and the development of pests and diseases.
While you’re on the plot, harvest any parsnips and leeks. Dig over any vacant areas and consider planting perennial vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes or rhubarb.
It’s also the right time to think about what you’re going to plant. Check the catalogues and get your seed orders in now. There are plenty of good ones out there – Thompson & Morgan and Suttons are two good examples.
As the days start to lengthen the garden will start to grow so get these jobs under your belt sooner rather than later.
