January Top Tips
SHRUB BORDER
- Look carefully at trees, shrubs and roses planted in the autumn, if they have been loosened by wind or frost, refirm thoroughly. It is most important to choose a time when the surface of the soil is fairly dry for this kind of work.
- Check all tree ties to see if they have become broken or loose.
- Continue to check tender plants for frost damage if we have a mild spell of weather unwrap such tender plants as Camellies or Cordylines to let some air around the plant, do wrap up again if a hard frost is forecast.
- If we have a heavy fall of snow, carefully brush the snow off the branches of large evergreen shrubs and conifers when not frozen so as to reduce the weight of the snow on branches.
HERBACEOUS BORDER
- In some sheltered gardens the first Snowdrops, Aconites and Crocus will soon appear reminding us Gardeners that life in the garden is stirring once again.
- Herbaceous plants can be lifted at this time of year and split if required. Dig in well rotted manure or garden compost with a top dressing of Bonemeal this will give the plants a good start to the year.
- Watch out for slug damage on Dianthus and carnations at this time of year on mild days with little else to feed on slugs will enjoy a tasty carnation or too.
- Sweet Peas if sown outside in October may benefit from some protection with a cloche over them at this time of year, or some twiggy sticks placed along side the seedlings to give some extra protection.
VEGETABLE GARDEN
- Lift the roots of Rhubarb for forcing or cover with an up-turned bucket or box, covering this in turn with straw to keep the frost out.
- When seed potatoes arrive keep them in a place where there is no danger of frost penetrating and stand the tubers, eye-end uppermost in shallow boxes to sprout.
- As soon as the Brussel Sprouts have been gathered clear the ground of stalks and prepare the ground for the next crop.
- Do not be tempted to make outdoor sowings of vegetables too early. There is probably a good deal of hard and wet weather ahead.
FRUIT GARDEN
- Complete any remaining pruning of Apple and Pear trees now, spray with winter wash once pruning is complete to kill any over wintering pests at this time of year.
- Complete the pruning of outdoor Grape Vines, feed with Bonemeal to help build up healthy strong buds.
- Tie in Raspberry canes at least nine inches apart.
- Complete Gooseberry pruning this month.
- Blackcurrants will benefit from feeding now, they like plenty of nitrogen to encourage strong growth.
Sulphate of Ammonia can be used or nitro-chalk at the rate of 35 grams per square metre, sprinkle thinly
on the soil and keep away from the stems of the plants.
GREENHOUSE
- Bring more bulbs in the warm to give a succession of flowering plants for the house.
- Stake taller growing bulbs such as Daffodils.
- Do not be tempted to sow seeds too early, for it is most important to maintain a reasonable temperature throughout and we may well have some very cold weeks to come during January and February.
- Make weekly checks on over wintering Geraniums and Fuchsias for Botrytis and rotting leaves, left unattended the plants will soon rot off. If you are sowing Cyclamen from seed, now is the time to sow the seed in limefree soil or moss peat.
HOUSEPLANTS
- Keep them away from cold draughts.
- Keep them away from radiators & drying heat.
- Mist foliage to create humidity.
- Give flowering plants natural light during the day, place by a window.
- Move tender plants away from the window ledge on cold nights.
- Keep Amarylis warm to encourage them to flower.
- Bring potted bulbs into the warm in batches to encourage them to flower.
- Water Poinsettias only when they are dry, keep them in a warm light position.
- Water Cacti only when they are dry.
THE GARDEN POND
- Keep the pond heater on during cold weather.
- Keep the pond netted to stop leaves and Herons getting to the pond.
- Feed with Wheatgerm Fish Food if fish are active, but do not feed if fish are at the bottom of the pond.
- Keep filters running, but is weather is severe disconnect and drain down.
- Keep using Barley pads to control blanketweed.
- Use this time to plan improvements to your ponds in the Spring.
TREES & SHRUBS IN FLOWER DURING JANUARY:
Camellia
Chimonanthus Praecow
Garrya Elliptica
Hamamelis
Jasminum Nudiflorrum
Lonicera Fragrantissima
Lonicera Purpusii
Lonicera Standishii
Sarococca
Viburnum Bodnantense
Viburnum Farreri
Viburnum Tinus
Erica Carnea-Winter flowering heathers
Acacia Dealbata
Prunus Autumnalis
Prunus Autumnalis Rosea
JANUARY TOP TIP
The good gardener must always be looking ahead, it is wise to remember this even so early in the year. Frosts will soon be having a large selection of new seasons seeds, potatoes, summer flowering bulbs and young plants-so shop early for the summer garden.
