JOBS AHEAD
Make time to plan your vision for the garden for the year ahead. Take a walk around and assess which aspects worked well, what did not work so well, and where there were gaps.
Plants in pots are vulnerable to water logging over winter, which can cause roots to rot. Raise them up onto pot feet or stand them on bricks, to allow excess moisture to drain away.
At this time of year, birds need a little extra help. Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables, and ensure feeders are fully re-stocked.
Check that winter bedding plants and border shrubs have not been lifted out of the ground after a hard frost. If necessary, firm them back into borders or containers.
Bulbs that have been forced for indoor Christmas use, like paper-white Narcissi and hyacinths, can be put outside somewhere light once they have finished flowering. Cut off the flower heads and let the foliage fade. In spring, plant the bulbs in the garden to flower outside again in years to come.
Prune down tall growing rose bushes by about half to reduce the risk of wind damage to the roots and stems.
The last remnants of this year’s crops can be lifted and added to the compost heap if past their best so that the ground can be tidied and mulched for next year’s crops.
Cover winter cabbages, kale, and other crops with fine mesh to protect them from pigeon attack.
Now is the perfect time to harvest Brussels sprouts, broccoli, parsnips, and leeks to enjoy with your Christmas dinner!
Soft fruit can be planted at this time of year, when the plants are dormant, so it is a great time to order fruits like gooseberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Prune apple and pear trees whilst they are still dormant over the winter, but leave other fruits such as plums and cherries unpruned until the summer to avoid silver leaf infections.
Take cuttings from gooseberry bushes this month to root over winter.
Plants in the greenhouse should be tidied, removing faded flowers and shrivelled leaves to discourage moulds and fungal diseases. Keeping glasshouse doors or vents open for a few hours on mild days will also help.
Come late January, onions can be sown under glass to get them off to a great start, ready to plant out in April after being hardened off for a few weeks.
Check the backs of all stored seed packets for sowing instructions and begin making sowings from January in seed trays.
Rewrite fading plant labels in the herb garden before names disappear due to winter rain and snow.