With the begining of the new calender year come new hope & determination for the year ahead. So try and put some of that good will into your garden and it will reward you in the long run.

This time of the year it can be hard to get out and involved in garden maintenance. But even though the plants are asleep there is still a lot that can be done in preparation for the year ahead.

Plants of the Month

(From Left to Right) Erica, Pansies, Helleborus, Dogwood, Cyclamen

Things to Consider

• Remember that this is a time when many tree & shrubs are hibernating so it is the perfect time to up-root and reposition or prune back
• Don't forget that the weather can have a be influence on things this time of year and so be aware of harsh frosts and avoid planting, moving and pruning in these conditions. January can be the coldest month of the year
• Lawns can find themselves under some stress this time of year so avoid excessive walking on them, especially if the ground is wet

Things to Do

The Fruit & Veg Garden

1. Continue to sow Garlic bulbs outdoors
2. Keep your spring crops covered using a garden cloche or frost fleece
3. If you haven't done already; you can prepare your soil for the coming season. Turn soil adding well rotted farm yard manure
4. Start forcing rhubarb
5. Pruning of fruit trees can be done
6. Planting of bare root fruit bushes & trees

In the Greenhouse

1. Open greenhouse door on sunny days to ventilate
2. By the end of the month you can begin sowing seeds indoors in your greenhouse such as

• Aubergines
• Cauliflower
• Green Beans
• Pak Choi
• Loose Head Lettuce

Plant Care

1. Lift & divide herbaceous perennials
2. Pruning of trees & roses can be done
3. Transplanting of small & medium sized plants can be done

Lawn Care

1. Clear any remaining fallen leaves & dispose to your compost heap (Old foliage can harbour disease)
2. If the ground is not frozen or overly wet you can give your lawn a light cut - just to neaten it up

In the Garden, Beds & Borders

1. Mid Winter is a good time to look over your beds & rethink planting schemes. For example; where to plant some evergreen or screening plants
2. If you haven't done so already you should mulch up around the base of tender shrubs. Mulch provides insulation, moisture retention & weed control
3. Winter months are a perfect time to do any planting. You can plant all potted or containerised plants
4. Bare season is in full swing & if you act fast you can still buy your pick of the bunch

General Maintenance

1. Continue to feed your birds. High energy feeds such as suet balls, fat balls or peanuts will help provide the essential nutrients in their time of greatest need
2. Turn your compost bin once over the year & winter is a good time to do so