REALLY GREEN SMART'S TOP GARDENING TIPS FOR JANUARY

12 January 2017 by Really Green Smart Garden Company

Well…. the bleak mid-winter is upon us, but as the days lengthen the garden will begin to grow. This is a good time to plan for the approaching gardening year and getting those plants and seed orders in. January is also a good time to double-check your winter protection: are the ties and supports still working properly after any severe storms? Are stakes still in place?

Don’t forget the wildlife! Put some food and water out for the birds and if possible leave a little length in the grass to provide shelter for your garden wildlife.

Here are some top gardening tips to help you get through the winter period and banish those winter blues.

• First things first, if you still have your Christmas tree hanging around in your garden, try shredding this, it makes excellent mulch!

• If you have any vacant plots, now is the time to dig these if they have not already been done.

• If you have rhubarb in your garden, this is the time to start ‘forcing’ it.

• Spring will be here before you know it, now is a good time to start cleaning your greenhouses and pots ready for spring planting and seeding.

• January is the month for worm casts, try to disperse any that appear in your lawns.

• If you have fruit trees, such as pear or apples, pruning them now will encourage good harvests.

• If you have vegetables, now is the time to plan your crop rotations for the coming season.

• Do you have stored tubers or Begonia, Dhalias? Now is a good time to inspect these for drying out or rots.

• Remember to keep putting fresh food and water out for the birds – they would be very grateful.

• If you are thinking about adding a new timber garden building for your living space, now is a good time to start planning – what style building would you like? What is the building for? What space do you have and what size could your realistically accommodate? What colour would you like? Get those little grey cells working!

Live life and love your garden!