January Gardening Jobs

January is still deep winter, but there are many tasks to carry out to keep your garden in good condition. It is important to remember that jobs should only be carried out when weather and ground conditions are suitable, as this will vary depending on your location and recent weather.

This guide provides all the key January tasks, from general maintenance to lawns, trees, shrubs, and hedges, ensuring your garden survives the cold months and is ready for spring.

Every month brings essential maintenance tasks, even in winter:

• Collect debris and fallen leaves to keep your garden tidy and disease-free.
• Clean hard surfaces with a hard surface cleaner like Mac Hi-Power or AlgoClear Pro to prevent slippery pathways and patios during frost and wet conditions.
• Soil analysis: January is the perfect time to buy a soil analysis kit to see what nutrients your soil may be lacking. This allows you to plan fertiliser applications for spring.
• Service equipment: Check knapsacks, mowers, tillers, and other gardening tools before they are needed again. Regular servicing ensures they are ready for the spring season - Shop spare parts and accessories here.
• Training: Take advantage of indoor periods for training courses. Completing professional training can give you access to products requiring a license. Options include online courses from home or in-person classroom sessions, such as those on offer in Peterborough.
  

• Avoid walking on frosty lawns, as it can crush the turf and leave yellow or dead patches when it thaws.
• Check for disease activity regularly and treat appropriately with suitable lawn fungicides.
• Remove worm casts if present.
• Prepare for new lawns: January is a good time to plan or prepare for sowing or turfing. Recommended products include New Grass Pre-Seed and Pre-Turf Fertiliser and 4 Seasons Pro Grass Seed.

• Evergreens: Take care of any newly planted evergreens during frost or snow.
• Snow removal: Brush snow off hedges and shrubs to prevent branches from breaking under heavy weight.
• Planting: Bare root deciduous hedging, such as beech and hawthorn, can be planted this month, as long as soil conditions allow.
• Fertiliser: Apply Arbor Gold slow release fertiliser at the time of planting to ensure the best establishment and healthy growth.
  

Are there any lawn treatments I can apply in January?
Fertiliser applications are generally not recommended in cold conditions. However, you can check for lawn diseases and treat with appropriate winter lawn fungicides if necessary.

Can I prepare for new lawns in January?
Yes, you can plan and prepare for new grass. Products like New Grass Pre-Seed and Pre-Turf Fertiliser and 4 Seasons Pro Grass Seed can be ordered and stored so you’re ready to sow when conditions improve.

Can I plant grass seed in January?
Grass seed usually requires warmer temperatures to germinate, so spring and autumn are best. However, specialist winter grass seed can germinate at lower temperatures (around 5°C). Even so, young shoots remain vulnerable to sudden cold snaps.