www.MyLittleGreenSpace.co.uk

JANUARY

Make the most of any mild and dry weather and get on with as many jobs as possible before the rush in spring.

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• If the ground is waterlogged, then keep off the soil to avoid compaction and worsening the conditions.

• If snow falls – do not let the snow sit on the shrubs, gently shake off to prevent damage.

• Insulate outdoor containers from frost - bubblewrap works well.

• Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging if you haven't already done it.

• 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.

• Keep deadheading winter-flowering pansies to ensure they flower during mild weather.

• Keep feeding wild birds with high-energy bird foods to keep up their strength through the winter.

• Give wisterias their winter prune - cutting back sideshoots to 2.5-5cm (1-2in) long.

 

Vegetable Garden:

• 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.

• You can prune established, free-standing apple and pear trees, but only if they need it.

• If you want an early crop of strawberries, place cloches over the plants.

• Sow onion seeds in a heated propagator for an early crop.

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Lawncare:

• Avoid walking on turf when the grass is covered with frost or is waterlogged.

• You can mow the lawn if the grass is growing and it’s dry.

• Cut lawn edges to make them neat and crispen their appearance.

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