in THE GARDEN ... |
January may be one of the coldest months of the year , but for us Kent gardeners , it ’ s the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a thriving garden come spring . With crisp mornings and occasional frosts , there ’ s still plenty to do , so wrap up warm and enjoy the quiet beauty of your winter garden . Here are five essential tasks to tackle this month … 1 . Prune Fruit Trees & Bushes Now is the perfect time to prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant . This will improve air circulation , encourage healthy growth , and ensure a bumper harvest later in the year . Remove any dead , damaged , or crossing branches . For soft fruit bushes such as currants and gooseberries , cut back old wood to encourage vigorous new shoots .
TOP TIP : Always use clean , sharp tools to avoid spreading disease .
2 . Care For Your Soil A healthy garden starts with healthy soil , and January is ideal for preparing
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it for the growing season . On dry days , dig over vegetable beds and incorporate well-rotted manure or garden compost to enrich the soil . Avoid working on waterlogged areas , as this can compact the ground .
Covering empty beds with a layer of organic mulch will suppress weeds and protect the soil structure from winter rains .
3 . Start Planning Your Garden For Spring The new year is an excellent time to dream big !
Sit down with seed catalogues and plan what you want to grow . Order seeds early to ensure the best varieties don ’ t sell out . Consider companion planting to maximise space and deter pests .
TOP TIP : If you ’ re new to gardening , opt for hardy , easy-to-grow vegetables like radishes , broad beans , or spring onions .
4 . Feed The Birds Garden birds struggle to find food in
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winter , and encouraging their presence benefits your garden as they ’ ll feast on pests later in the year . Stock feeders with high-energy foods like sunflower hearts , fat balls , and mealworms . Ensure fresh water is available , especially during frosts . Place feeders near shrubs or trees to provide birds with safe cover from predators .
5 . Protect Tender Plants Delicate plants such as cannas , tree ferns , and potted citrus need protection from frost . Use horticultural fleece or bring pots into a greenhouse or sheltered spot . Check regularly for damage caused by heavy rain or wind . Raise pots on feet or bricks to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging .
By taking these simple steps now , you ’ ll set the stage for a vibrant and flourishing garden in the months to come . Embrace the quiet joys of winter gardening — spring will be here before you know it !
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