You can still garden in January ….

Yes, it’s cold outside, but winter sun can – and should -encourage us outside to look after our gardens. The mix of fresh air, exercise and being close to nature can only be good for our physical and mental health. Autumn was certainly very wet and rather gloomy: it’s very positive to now see the first signs of spring appearing with snowdrops and other early-flowering bulbs, as well as plenty of buds on trees and shrubs.

Many plants benefit from winter pruning, and mild days in January provide the ideal opportunity. Pruning not only makes plants healthier and more vigorous, but can also vastly improve crops and flowering -it always amazes me how cutting back plants usually gives them such a growth spurt. Above all remove diseased and damaged stems, but always be mindful of ultimate shape and the space available in your garden. The winter pruning list during the dormant winter months is comprehensive: roses, autumn-fruiting raspberries, grapevines and fruit bushes, deciduous trees and shrubs, and most importantly apple and pear trees. If in doubt as to how and when to prune, check out the Royal Horticultural Society website www.rhs.org.uk. It’s interesting, comprehensive and authoritative.

A sharp frost will cause damage to new growth on some shrubs: if this does happen, it’s best to wait until the risk of further frosts is over before trimming back to healthy wood. This will protect the plant from further damage and dieback.

January is a good planning and preparation month. Many gardeners buy their seeds now ready to sow in the weeks ahead. Check over your garden tools, and most especially mowers. Servicing is much easier in the winter months before the sudden rush when grass starts its prolific growing in March and April.

Spring is just around the corner.

David Hogg

Buckland Nurseries