What to do in the garden in January

• If the ground is waterlogged, then keep off the soil to avoid compaction.
• If snow falls – do not let the snow sit on the shrubs, gently shake off to prevent damage.
• Prune bush or standard apples and pears, aiming to create an open framework of about 5 main branches.
• Take root cuttings from perennials for new growth in time for spring.
• Sweet peas can be sown this month and those sown in the autumn can be potted on. Place them in a sunny greenhouse, cold frame or windowsill.
• Plan annual cut flowers for the borders.
• Mulch borders if not already done in autumn.
• Plant deciduous hedges.
• Move deciduous trees and shrubs if necessary.
• Ensure protective coverings such as fleece/mulch have remained in place over frost tender plants.
• Avoid walking on turf when the grass is covered with frost or is waterlogged.

• Protect brassicas from pigeons with cloches, netting or fleece.
• Harvest Winter veg such as parsnip, swede, sprouts, leeks and turnip.
• Remove one-third of the oldest stems of blackcurrants at ground level to encourage new basal shoots.
• Plan this year's crop rotation -  aim to grow each crop in a different bed to last years to avoid the risk of disease.
• Start chitting seed potatoes.
• Cut back apples and pears by a third to remove any dead or weak growth.

• Ventilate the greenhouse regularly to avoid moisture build-up.
• Keep bird-feeders and bird baths topped up.
• Clean pots and seed trays.
• Check tree stakes and ties.
• Inspect tools and sharpen secateurs.
• Clean plant labels. 
• Check compost bins for excess moisture and turn regularly. 
• Organise seed collections and start planning your garden layout for the year ahead.
• Order new seeds to sow.

Professional composts

Seed trays

Compost Additives

Seeds