Project Garden

January can feel quiet in the garden, but it’s a brilliant month for tidying, protecting plants, and setting the stage for spring. Think of it as gentle maintenance rather than heavy work.

1. Keep paths safe and clear

• Sweep leaves, algae and debris off patios/paths
• Keep drains and channels clear to prevent pooling and ice patches
• If it’s icy, grit key walkways (avoid salting borders)

2. Check winter protection after wind and frost

• Re-secure fleece/hessian on tender plants
• Brush heavy snow off shrubs and hedges to prevent snapping
• Move vulnerable pots into shelter (or group them together by a wall)

3. Prune the “safe” stuff

• Remove dead, damaged or diseased wood from trees/shrubs
• Cut back deciduous grasses and perennials if you didn’t in autumn (leave some stems if wildlife is using them)

4. Feed birds and support wildlife

• Keep feeders topped up with sunflower hearts/suet
• Provide fresh water daily (break ice gently)
• Leave log piles/leaf corners undisturbed

5. Plan and book spring jobs

• Make a shortlist: lawn renovation, hedge shaping, border refresh, planting
• Order seeds and check what worked last year
• Book early if you want March/April work in the diary