Garden of Evan January Even though the winter solstice has now passed, and the evenings are inching forwards in length, there really isn’t enough extra daylight to make much difference in gardening terms. We expect plenty of rain in January, but keep an eye out just in case we don’t get quite as much. Gardens can dry out in winter too, so consider a sprinkle if conditions require it. The middle of the three winter months is a good time to plan your garden for the coming months. Order seeds and bulbs now and, when they arrive, store them in a container in the fridge. They like the cold, but if you leave them outside, birds and small mammals might take that as an invitation to treat! Order herbaceous perennials too, for planting in the spring. Bulbs that are potted up and ready to flower this month can be brought inside (or placed under a propagator) to encourage early blooms. When they are done, deadhead them to prevent them trying to reseed – you want all their energies to go back into the bulb for next year. Continue clearing dead top growth and watch out for new growth of weeds. Keep clearing weeds, dead branches, old roots away. Rake (carefully) around roots of trees and shrubs to get rid of insects. Only allow debris to accumulate if it is to serve as a home for friendly winter wildlife. Otherwise, keep the compost heap or chiminea/fire pit busy. Continue to check tree ties and stakes. Heavy winds and rain can dislodge them at any time. It’s still okay to plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs, and to move established ones, if you feel the need (and if the soil isn’t hardened by frost). Cut old leaves off hellebores. Check your garden equipment. Lawnmowers can be serviced now (don’t wait until your grass is a foot high and there’s a three week wait for service). Check metal tools for rust, and wooden handles etc for weather wear and tear. Treat accordingly. Clean lubricate and sharpen tools too. Consider doing pointing work to brick walls around the garden’s edge if needed. Fix broken fence panels, and treat and repaint timber (chairs, benches, tables, fence posts) to protect it from rot. It’s a very good time to plan new soil beds, and also to make or prepare paved areas like paths or patios.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 20:55:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015