As January draws to a close, it is still a quiet time as far as gardening is concerned due to the frosted layers and sprinkles of snow.
However, on crisp, sunny winter days, there are plenty of small jobs to be getting on with. Paying attention to the smaller jobs now will end up being rewarding later in the year.
Here are a few jobs to consider getting on with now that will save you time going into the summer months:
- Look into plants that can still be planted this time of year; Bare root, root ball trees and shrubs are great.
- Have you discovered that a particular shrub or tree is in the wrong place? As long as you can move it with a good rootball, you can move it to a more suitable position in your garden.
- Continue to clear away dead leaves and other debris from your garden.
- Weeds – they are starting to appear! Keeping them under control will save a lot of hard work and time later in the year.
- If you have kept an area of your garden uncut as a shelter for wildlife – keep it uncut for as long as possible especially during this cold snap where wildlife needs it most.
- Keep bird feeders topped up with feed and fat balls. Ensure your garden birds have a fresh supply of drinking water and defrost if frozen.
- Bird boxes – clean out existing bird boxes so that the birds will use them again. If you don’t currently have any bird boxes in your garden – why not consider putting one up? It’s a great winter task that will help shelter birds. They should be positioned out of prevailing winds and strong sunlight.
- Clean garden pots, tools, water butts and greenhouses ready for the new season, saving you the task later in the year.
- Check stakes and ties and other supporting systems for your trees, shrubs and climbers to ensure they are doing their job properly. Adjust or replace as necessary.
- Wisteria – these can be pruned now. Cut back shoots by 2-3 buds on their lateral stems. This will ensure healthy blooms come the spring.
- Cut back ornamental grasses – they can be cut back to within a few centimetres above the ground.
- Prune apple and pear trees – these are best done when the trees are still dormant.
- Plums\cherries\apricots – leave these alone until the summer. Pruning now will make the susceptible to Silver-Leaf infections.
Here at Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in West Sussex, our friendly team are always delighted to help and assist you with any concerns you may have about what jobs to undertake now.
Why not pop in and have a look around our nursery? If you are planning to plant some new trees or shrubs this year, we have an excellent range to choose from. We shall look forward to your visit.
