January Garden and Allotment Jobs

January is a brilliant month to spend time reflecting and preparing your growing space for the upcoming season. Below I have shared some ideas for jobs you can do in the garden in January to set yourself up for success.

General preparation

• Clean, sharpen and oil tools

• Tidy sheds and greenhouse spaces.

• Clear debris from beds and paths to reduce overwintering pests.

• Plan your crop rotation and sowing/planting schedule for the year.

Soil and beds

• Get mulching! Spread well-rotted compost or manure on empty beds.

• If ground isn’t frozen, and you don’t observe the No Dig method then this is a good time of year for a winter dig or to lightly fork over bare soil.

Pruning and maintenance

• Winter prune soft fruit bushes (currants, gooseberries) and apple and pear trees before buds break.

• Cut back any tired and scruffy-looking ornamental grasses to ground level.

Greenhouse and structures

• Clean greenhouse panels to maximise light.

• Ventilate on milder days to prevent fungal issues.

• Clear out any clutter from your shed.

There are also a few seeds you can start sowing in January, but be sure to keep these somewhere warm and light.