January & February 2024

Things to do in the garden in January.

• If you cannot garden because the soil is rain sodden or frosted you can use your time by studying plant catalogues which have arrived in the post on a regular basis.

…remember that this year’s novelty seeds are likely to be next year’s ordinary seeds.

• The same advice applies as when ordering spring/early summer flowering plants, the larger the plants you buy the better they will be when planted out in May. If you only need a few plants it would probably be better to visit a local nursery such as Elm Nursery at Sutton Green in May where you can select your plants first hand. New seed varieties which are usually F1 Hybrids are expensive to buy and often difficult to germinate, so look on the back of the packet to see how many seeds you are buying for your money, remember that this year’s novelty seeds are likely will be next year’s ordinary seeds.
• Whilst the fruit buds are still dormant Apple and Pear trees can be pruned, cut out any congested growth to increase airflow which will improve the quality of next seasons fruit, cut back to a fruit bud which is large and rounded on older growth, one year old shoots should be pruned back to a slender bud.

Things to do in the garden in February.

• Plunge shrivelled Dahlia tubers into a bucket of tepid water overnight, having removed any rotten tubers, they can then be started into growth to provide cuttings for new plants, place the tubers in a seed tray or pot and lightly cover with damp soil.
• Slow germinating annuals such as Antirrhinum and Lobelia should be sown indoors.
• Prune Summer flowering deciduous shrubs such as Buddleia which flower on the current year’s growth. Cut back Summer and Autumn flowering Clematis to the lowest pair of strong buds.
• Sow Sweet Peas and pot on those sown in the Autumn.

When it is mild Broad Beans, Carrots and Parsnips can be sown under cloches.

• When it is mild Broad Beans, Carrots and Parsnips can be sown under cloches.
• Sow Greenhouse Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Peppers at 21°C.
• Seed Potatoes should be placed on their ends in a light, cool, frost free place to sprout.