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Winter Garden Jobs Checklist (UK): What to Do in January
Quick checklist: January garden jobs
- Prune fruit trees, roses, and certain shrubs
- Mulch borders and beds to protect soil
- Clean and sharpen tools (don’t forget your gardening gloves)
- Remove dead growth and tidy borders (use a sturdy wheelbarrow or garden tub for easy clearing)
- Plan and order seeds or bulbs for spring
- Check stored bulbs/tubers for rot
- Clean pots, trays, and greenhouses
Why January matters for garden prep
Winter might seem quiet, but January jobs lay the groundwork for a healthy, productive spring. Pruning, mulching, and tidying now means less work—and better results—later.
Pruning: what you can cut back now
- Fruit trees: Most apples and pears (not stone fruits) can be pruned now.
- Roses: Cut back dead or diseased wood, but save major pruning for late winter.
- Shrubs: Remove dead or crossing branches from hardy deciduous shrubs.
Use clean, sharp cutting tools and protect your hands with gardening gloves.
Mulching and soil care
- Spread compost or well-rotted manure to insulate soil and feed plants.
- Mulch helps suppress weeds and protect roots from frost.
Cleaning and storing tools
- Wash mud off spades, forks, and secateurs.
- Sharpen blades and oil moving parts—check your cutting tools.
- Store tools in a dry place—make sure your gardening gloves are clean and dry too.
Planning ahead: seed and plant orders
- Review last year’s successes and plan what you want to grow.
- Order seeds and bulbs early for the best selection.
- Clean seed trays and pots ready for sowing.
FAQs
What should I do in my garden in January?
Prune, mulch, tidy borders, clean tools, and plan for spring.
Prune, mulch, tidy borders, clean tools, and plan for spring.
Can I prune shrubs and trees in January?
Yes—apples, pears, and hardy shrubs are good candidates. Avoid pruning stone fruit and tender plants now.
Yes—apples, pears, and hardy shrubs are good candidates. Avoid pruning stone fruit and tender plants now.
Is it too late to plant bulbs in January?
Some hardy bulbs (like snowdrops) can still go in, but most are best planted in autumn.
Some hardy bulbs (like snowdrops) can still go in, but most are best planted in autumn.
How do I protect plants from frost?
Mulch borders and cover vulnerable plants—see our upcoming frost protection guide.
Mulch borders and cover vulnerable plants—see our upcoming frost protection guide.
Should I water my garden in winter?
Only if it’s dry—overwatering can cause root rot in cold soil.
Only if it’s dry—overwatering can cause root rot in cold soil.
What tools should I clean in January?
All—spades, forks, secateurs, cutting tools, and gardening gloves.
All—spades, forks, secateurs, cutting tools, and gardening gloves.
Can I compost in winter?
Yes, but it’ll be slower—keep adding kitchen and garden waste.
Yes, but it’ll be slower—keep adding kitchen and garden waste.
How do I prepare for spring planting?
Order seeds, clean trays, and plan your plot now.
Order seeds, clean trays, and plan your plot now.
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