Things to do in January

Sow

Aubergines, celery, chillies, cauliflowers, leeks and onion seeds can all be sown indoors through January. 

Plant

January and February are great months for planting bare-root fruit trees or fruit bushes such as raspberries and currants.

Harvest

Kales, cabbages, leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips and sprouts.

Prune

Pear and apple trees, grapevines, gooseberries and autumn fruiting raspberries.

Check your plot

With the winter wind and rain it's important to check your plot for any damage from time to time and especially after big storms. 

Recycle for the season ahead

Think about saving containers for seed sowing - yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and mushroom punnets provide a range of sizes for use as seed trays, modules or individual pots. Don't forget to add drainage holes.

In the shed

Clean your tools, oil secateurs and tidy shelves, pots, trays, netting etc. so you know where everything is or what needs to be replaced. Re-use and recycle to keep costs down and for the planet - for example plastic plant labels can be used for many years, where as wooden ones tend to last just one season.

In the greenhouse

Greenhouses, polytunnels and cold frames should be checked for pests and glass cleaned to allow better winter light for any seeds you start to sow now. Don't forget ventilation on warm days.

Potatoes

Seed potatoes are available from the shop from January.

Onions and garlic

It's not too late to plant autumn garlic and onions in January. Alternatively, the spring planting varieties should be available in the shop.

Force rhubarb

For an early harvest, cover your rhubarb crowns with a traditional forcing pot, or an upturned bucket.

Feed the birds

Depending on the weather, birds may need feeding throughout January to give them a good start reading for the spring breeding season. Keep feeders clean to prevent the spread of avian flu and don't forget a little pot of water.