This Month in Your Garden - January

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.  A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."  -  Bill Vaughan, American author  

However you see in the New Year, climate change scientists are forecasting an average temperature of 3.9C for January to February in central England. But we gardeners are hardy and hardened to the pessimism of below-average temperatures and our famous talking point takes a back seat when it comes to the garden.

The Lawncare Guide - January

The Lawn in Winter

Lawn care in January very much depends of course on whether or not you can even see your lawn. Snow and frost defer working when there’s a blanket of the former and deter walking on it when the latter occurs. However, new turf can be laid and repair to edges done in milder spells and when it’s not too wet.

Lawn Care: Questions & Answers

Q. My lawn has become uneven in places, is there anything I can do now to even it up?

The Vegetable Plot - January

Brassy brassicas and lush lettuce

Many vegetables at this time of the year come from abroad, so if you have grown and stored your own your pocket and ecology will benefit. Onions, carrots, turnips, potatoes, swedes and shallots stored in autumn should be checked for any rot which might spread. Leeks and parsnips can be harvested now along with Brussels sprouts, cabbages, spinach beet, celery and Jerusalem artichokes if the ground is not too frosty and hard.

The Big Glut Recipe - January

Venison and parsnip tagine with buttered herb couscous

Spice up January with a hearty, warming touch of the Middle East for 4-6 people. A Delicious Magazine recipe.

Ingredients

• Olive oil for frying
• 1kg diced venison
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 large bunch fresh coriander, chopped
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 6 parsnips, chopped into chunks
• 8 dried figs, peeled, quartered
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 500ml fresh beef stock, plus extra to loosen
• Pomegranate molasses to serve