In
the bleak mid-winter, your garden may not be the first thing on your
mind. But there is still plenty to do in your garden and plenty to
plan for next year. Here are just some of the garden jobs that you
might want to get round to this month:
Jobs In
The Vegetable Garden
-
Dig up the last of your leeks and parsnips before the
ground freezes and place them in a trench close to the house where
you can easy go out and get one when needed.
-
Cover winter brassica with netting if birds such as
pigeons are a problem.
-
Remove yellow leaves from brassicas as these can
harbour disease and cause problems.
-
If you planted Christmas potatoes you can now dig these
up for use with Christmas dinner.
-
Protect winter salads etc. with fleece when a bad frost
threatens.
Jobs In
The Fruit Garden/Orchard
-
Prune fruit trees (except stone fruit trees like plum
and cherry).
-
Protect fig tree branch tips from frost with fleece or
straw.
-
Continue to plant bare root canes and berry bushes
throughout the dormant season.
-
Prune grape vines.
-
Take the chance to renovate the strawberry patch,
replacing ageing plants (those over three years of age) with new
strawberry runners.
Jobs In
the Flower Garden
-
Prune Japanese Maples (Acers) now, before sap starts to
flow.
-
Harvest holly and other evergreens with berries for
Christmas decoration.
-
Spread fresh grit or gravel around alpine plants.
-
Plant some new shrubs for winter interest.
-
Cluster containers and place them in a sheltered spot
to help reduce the risk of frost damage.
Jobs
Under Cover
-
If it snows, clear it quickly from the top of your
greenhouse or polytunnel to prevent damage.
-
Keep checking for pests on overwintering plants placed
under cover.
-
Pick your winter salad leaves, chard, Asian greens and
brassicas.
-
Clear and tidy under cover spaces thoroughly while you
have the time to do so.
-
Keep an eye and water when necessary (as early in the
day as possible).
General
Garden Jobs
-
Take the chance to make or improve paths through your
garden.
-
Check ties on trees, climbers and shrubs to make sure
everything is in good order.
-
Clean and oil garden tools and make sure they are
stored properly and safely.
-
Take the chance to clear out sheds or outbuildings
before the spring.
-
Plan crop rotations and order seeds for next year.