January 2024

JOBS IN THE GARDEN FOR JANUARY

Check tree ties to make sure they are not rubbing the bark, if so slacken off slightly, also

check the stake to see if it is still secure.

If you have clumps of Iris Unguicularis the flowers will be developing amongst the old

foliage; cut this off now so that the flowers can be seen.

Continue to plant newly bought bare root and container grown trees and shrubs. Remember

to prepare the soil well incorporating as much organic matter as you can but if using fresh

manure make certain that it does not touch the roots. If the weather is frosty leave planting

until there is an improvement in the conditions. In the meantime just heel the bare root plants

in to prevent the roots from drying out.

Now is a good time to prune dormant deciduous trees and shrubs if it is needed to be done.

However, Magnolias should be left until Spring to prevent dieback and members of the

Cherry Almond and Plum family should also not be pruned at this time to prevent silver leaf

disease taking hold.

If you are going to plant new Roses or Raspberries, remember to only plant in new ground

where they have not grown before, this will prevent the replant diseases which are very

common with these types of plant.

If you grow Peaches, now is the time to erect a cover over the tree to prevent an attack of

Peach Leaf Curl. This is obviously easier to do if the tree is trained against a wall or fence.

If covered at this time it will prevent the rain splashing up the fungal spores to the developing

new buds which is how this disease is spread. When pruning Apple trees do not remove

more than 20% of the crown in any winter. More pruning than this will give you too much

new growth at the expense of fruit bud production. On Gooseberries and Redcurrants remove

dead wood and any low lying branches. Shorten the main leading shoots by a quarter pruning

to an outward facing bud and prune back all side shoots to 1 to 3 buds.

If you did not sow Broad Beans in the autumn now is the next best time to do it but this time

sow in cell tray pots in a cold frame or cold greenhouse. The resulting plants can be planted

out in the normal way in early March. Shallots can be planted now into well prepared ground

but without the addition of manure. Keep the bulbs with only their tops exposed about

ground level.