Vincent, a horticulturalist and author, goes on to say “even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them.”
So, January need not be all dull, damp and cold. You could even be sowing seeds that need frost to germinate, including alpine plants, native shrubs and trees.
It’s very unlikely you will be mowing the lawn this month but the mowing season is not far off, especially if the winter turns out mild. If you haven’t already done so it’s a good time to get the garden tractor or mower serviced in readiness.
There are a few other jobs needing your attention to help prepare the lawn for spring. Make a note of where any water lies on the grass after heavy rain or when snow thaws.
A useful job this month is to dig over any plots that haven’t been dug and let the frosts break down the soil. Weather permitting as usual, plant rhubarb in the well manured, deeply dug soil. You can force rhubarb and seakale outdoors from late January.
Grow mustard and cress sown every two weeks in succession indoors or in a heated greenhouse or frame at about 13°C (55°F). You can have home-grown lettuce, early cauliflower and cabbage grown in the same way. It’s useful to make a plan now for your crop rotation and jot down ideas for the coming year.
Ingredients
