January

You might think January is a dead time of year in the garden, but this just isn’t true anymore. 

As our winters have got warmer, more and more shrubs and bulbs are coming into flower to brighten the short dark days. It’s now quite usual for snowdrops and winter aconites to start blooming in January, and you might also see early narcissi and crocuses. Shrubs such as winter honeysuckle, witch hazel and Viburnum bodnantense will add colour and gorgeous fragrance to the garden, and evergreens and conifers will ensure your plot looks good on the greyest days. 

So, if the view from your window is bare and drab, now’s the time to decide on new planting to liven things up. For instant colour it’s easy to find heathers, ivies, pansies and bulbs in bud that can be quickly tucked into frost-proof pots.  For the longer term, try to visit some of the winter gardens that are open to the public, or head to your local garden centre and take a look at the plants on offer. When considering evergreens look at leaf shape, colour and glossiness. Some hollies, camellias and ferns have highly polished leaves that positively shine out. Look also for attractive bark, long-lasting berries, interesting shapes and early flowers.

Don’t be tempted to buy just one of everything you like and plonk it in. Winter is when the bare bones of your garden are on display. The more thought you give to the overall design the better your garden will look. Read through our Design Tips for ideas on how to make the most of your outdoor space.

So what weather can we expect in January?  Snow, rain, heavy frost and strong winds are all on the cards. January is usually the coldest month of the year inland. Average daytime temperatures range from 6-8ºC in the south down to 2-4ºC in the north. The average minimum temperature is about 1.5ºC in the south and 0.5ºC in the north. Remember this average can hide a wide variation. It is not unusual to get temperatures falling to -8ºC or even lower, especially in Scotland. Snow is less likely to fall now, than 20 years ago, especially in the south. It is much more likely in Scotland. Gales too are likely at some point, especially on the north-west side of the country. Southern and eastern areas usually escape the worst of the rain – most will fall in hilly places.  And what about sunshine? There should be some to enjoy. Southern areas get an average of 57 hours bright sunshine in January, whereas in Shetland the average is down to just 22 hours.

The best advice is to check your local weather forecast so that you can prepare for whatever nature throws at you. Tender or young plants may need some sort of protection against frost and icy winds– a simple covering of horticultural fleece can make all the difference. Container plants can be moved into a greenhouse or garage for a few days if necessary. And don’t forget your lawn – keep off when it’s frozen as walking on it can damage the grass. When it thaws out, your footprints will show up as yellow patches. 

	Essential Jobs Checklist for January   Protect tender plants against frosts and icy winds Order seeds and summer-flowering bulbs Plant new fruit trees and canes when weather allows Plant bare-root roses, hedging, trees and shrubs when weather allows Mulch around new plantings Prune wisteria Prune fruit trees Start digging over vegetable beds when weather allows Sow early vegetables under cover Check forced bulbs for growth Keep small area of ponds ice-free Clean out your greenhouse Clean and sharpen mowers and other tools Make sure the birds have food and water Take your Christmas tree for recycling		Around the Garden and Home Flower Garden - January Kitchen Garden - January Containers - January House and Conservatory Plants - January Lawns - January Ponds and Water Features - January
	Last Chance to… Prune grape vines before the sap rises