What to do in the garden by month: January

January is the time of year where gardeners tend to get a bit eager and want to start their new garden now now now! But don't forget, their is always a chance of a frost right up until the end of February in the UK-Midlands; so unless you have a way of keeping your seedlings warm then it's not time. The available light is very low to this time of year. You're pretty much going to be following the same advice as in December, but less planting, less harvesting and more prepping. See Decembers here.

What to grow direct into the ground

There isn't a huge amount you should be growing right now, in the ground or in the greenhouse. Unless you have artificial light and heat then you're setting yourself up to fail! You can pre-prepare seeds, as in nature they would fall into the ground and then germinate when the time is right - but just bear in mind that if they get too moist they will just rot away. 

Now is the time to prep not to sow. Don't panic, the time will come. 

Fruit trees

Fruit trees are dormant at this time of year, so it's a perfect time to plant new trees, transplant smaller trees or any that you need to move and get them in for the spring. 

Garlic

We've had success growing garlic right up until Spring. Just remember a few things:

• Make sure the soil is not too wet, or the bulbs will just rot
• Make sure the soil has good drainage
• Cover with fleece or protective cover will reduce the risk of pests eating them before they get established 

What to grow in the greenhouse

There isn't a lot you can grow without heat and grow lights. ** If you do have grow lights and heaters then consider getting some chillies in!  

Broad beans

Broad beans can still be planed in light soil, if you're growing outdoors or without heaters then you will need to protect them with a protective cover (see: Winter reusable plant covers) to ensure they do not get killed by the frost.

Harvest

Depending on what you've planted in the other seasons you could still be harvesting

• leeks,
• spring onions,
• parsnips
• carrots
• Swede
• and kale

from your garden in January. Be sure to harvest what you need though so it gets very cold into January and your crops will be dying back. 

What jobs needs doing 

Composting

Hot compost bins can be used in greenhouses and polytunnels to keep the temperatures up if you want to get some early planting done. Your compost does have to be at it's hottest though for this to work. Check out -> our composting blog to give you a helping hand.

Planning

Now is the perfect time for planning your garden, get your seeds out and plan for the months ahead. Do you need more broccoli seeds? Now is the time to buy them, you'll find them on sale and you won't be fighting with the masses when they are needed. 

Overwintering

Make sure that you have absolutely brought in all the crops you want to overwinter, you might have got away with a mild December not January is not the month you want your chillies and cucamelons outside in the elements. 

Pruning, bed prep and tidying up

Painting

When the days are dry and it's mild outside it's always worth getting a coat of paint on your sheds, benches, fences and raised beds; it reduced the change of rot, makes the garden fresh again and will save you money in the long run.

Mulching

Mulching flower borders, pathways and beds at this time of year reduces the amount of weeds that will grow in spring, keeps the ground warm for all the critters and will keep the soil alive.

Strawberries

Some say to leave their strawberries be, others say to cover them with compost dressing and straw in January, whilst completely preference driven we do put straw around our strawberries in January, as it mulches back into the ground!  

The biggest challenges 

The biggest challenge in January is absolutely 100% low temperatures, frost and winds. For this month frosts will stop you digging, low light and low temperatures will stop you growing and the winds will damage your garden. 

Rest assured that there is still lots to do in the garden, but this is the month for rest, regrouping from the year before and getting ready for the year ahead. The days are starting to get longer again and the weather will warm up, so focus on preparation this month - it will be worth it! 

Products we recommend

	Winter reusable plant covers
	Garden Fleece (affiliate)