Make good use of these cold dry days and let the frost do its job of breaking down the soil. This will help make light work of digging over the borders, getting a head start for spring.
Now is a good time to tidy up any remaining late flowering perennials that were left from autumn, being careful not to damage any early bulbs that may be braving the cold weather. It is also a good time of year to do a little lawn maintenance. If it is dry and not to frozen spike the lawn with a fork and brush lawn sand into the holes to aid drainage.
The years planning can also take place now, with lists made for jobs to be carried out over the coming seasons, because, before you know it you will have your work cut out, as I do, just to keep on top of it all. Plants that need some special attention can be highlighted, or suitable replacements found.
It is also a good time to pick up some bare root plants such as roses, fruit trees and mature shrubs and trees as they are cheaper to buy bare root rather than in pots.
If the weather is too cold and wet (or even snow covered) to go out in the garden then it would be a good opportunity to do some general tool maintenance. Machinery can be serviced and hand tools cleaned and oiled ready for spring.
Januarys plants to look out for
- Hellebores
- Snowdrops
- Hamamelis (witch hazel)
- Mahonia
- Viburnum tinus
- Winter jasmine
- Cornus (dogwoods)
