Gardening Calendar - January

PLANNING, PREPARATION AND PLENTY TO ENJOY

Its nice to think the shortest day has passed and as we move in to the new year, with lengthening days and hopefully some pleasent days to get out into the garden when there is plenty to do and enjoy. If, however, the weather is awful then there is still plenty of prepartion and planning that can be done, browsing through the seed catalogues or visiting the garden centre to choose the vegetable seeds you are going to try this year.

• January doesn't have to be just hard work (digging and pruning) there are lots of plants to enjoy: Helebores start to flower in January and its a great time to plant container grown plants. A good tip is also to cut off the foliage of Heleborus orientalis to show off the flowers. Daphnes also start to flower in January giving off wonderful scents make sure you plant one near to your front or back door. Try Dahne bholua 'Jaqueline Postill' of Dahne odora 'Aureomarginata'. And of course look out for the wonderful Witch Hazels (Hamamelis).
• If you didn't get the tree and shrub pruning done in December thn January is still the perfect time. But remember don't prune Plums or Cherries in the winter these are best if Summer pruned.
• Again if you didn't get the vegetable patch dug in December then you must try to do it in January, but avoid digging if it's frosty or very wet. Spread plenty of organic matter or manure and dig in either single digging or if you have a heavier soil try doulbe digging.
• There are bound to be days when you can't work outside som take these opportunities to clean out the greenhose, throwing away any rubbish or old plants, cleaning the glass ands washing doen with water and disinfectant. (such as Jeyes fluid). Make sure you ventilate the glasshouse well to get rid of any fumes.
• There is also work to do in the fruit garden, Autumn fruiting Raspberries should have ALL their canes cut bach to 2" (5cm) and mulch around the base with organic matter. This will encourage strong new canes to develop on which the new berries form. Don't forget Summer fruiting raspberries are traeted quite differently.
• January is also the perfect time for planting any bare rooted trees and shrubs. But again avoid frosty or wet conditions.
• Earlswood Plants will be gardually stocking up with a wide range of plants during January, so please come and visit
• We are also there to help with any gardening advice

 

Forshaw Heath Rd, Earlswood, Solihull, West Midlands, B94 5JU
sales@earlswoodplants.co.uk