Brrr… it’s cold outside!
Yes, it’s that time of year when we’ve eaten our fill, exhausted our supply of box sets and the thought of one more “waffer thin mint” will send us into apoplexy! However, there is an easy and positive solution to this January lethargy, and that is to look outside and give your garden a little seasonal care.
Starting the year off right means giving your garden a fresh look and some much-needed love after the holiday hustle. Whilst much of your beloved plants and wildlife will be taking a short nap, there is still a lot you can do to set things up for when the weather improves.
Wrap up warm and walk around your garden to assess its overall health. This is the time to spot anything that needs fixing—from drooping plants to a soggy patch in the back yard.
Once you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s tool time. If your tools are a dusty mess from last year, grab a brush and some soapy water. A good scrub will extend their life and make them more efficient – nothing beats snipping with a clean and sharp pruner. If you have tools that you no longer need, consider donating them to a local charity or allotment association. I did this a while ago and found I had 5 different rakes! If only I had 5 pairs of hands too!!
Next, try to organise your tools so that they are easy to find. Since it’s colder outside, it is a great time to put some love into your shed, build yourself some shelves or storage units and reorganise your tool kit.
Planning for the coming year
The phrase, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” comes to mind here. Sometimes it’s exciting to just see what nature will bring us in the spring, but a bit of planning also goes a long way to creating the garden of your dreams.
Put some thought into what’s going into your garden this spring. Whether you’re dreaming of lush veggies or colourful flowers, start planning your planting schedule. There are lots of useful books and planners available to buy which can help you out if you’re not sure what to plant when. Think about your colour choice, when things flower and the height of plants too, so that you can enjoy things all year round. And remember to go ahead and order those seeds now to avoid the rush.
Mulch, mulch, mulch!
Don’t forget your current plants! Mulching is super important – especially if it looks like Jack Frost is setting up camp in your backyard. It helps keep the roots cozy, the soil from becoming too frozen and prevents annoying weeds from popping up when the weather warms.
And before you call it a day, take a moment to reflect on last year’s highs and lows. Did your tomatoes thrive or was it more of a garden flop? Last year, I planted a lot of vegetables that didn’t do very well and I put it down to the very wet summer we had here in the UK and the fact that I planted everything a little too late. It’s not a mistake I’ll be making again.
On the other hand, I had some great blueberries and I’m aiming for a pumpkin patch this year too!
Chase the success stories, learn from the hitches, and get ready to make this New Year the best one yet for your garden.
Tackling the Chill: A Checklist for Cold and Icy Conditions
When those frosty mornings hit, it’s like winter’s reminding us who’s boss. But let’s not worry too much. There’s plenty we can do to keep our gardens safe from the chill.
Think about using protective coverings like cloches or frost blankets. They’re like warm jackets for your plants, giving them that extra layer against the biting cold.
Cold winds are no joke, especially when they whip through your garden uninvited. Windbreaks can be lifesavers. Set up small barriers with fences or even hedges to keep your plants cosy.
Don’t forget to check the pathways. Snow and ice don’t just look pretty; they can be slippery nightmares. Clear them regularly, so you’re not risking a tumble whenever you step outside.
Our feathered friends need some love too. Set up bird feeders stocked with high-energy seeds. Watching them helps break the winter monotony, and they’ll keep your garden buzzing with activity. It’s really important to break the ice on water sources so that the birds and wildlife can get a drink when everything freezes over. Try to put out some fresh warmish water each day and remember to put things at ground level too for small animals and ground-feeding birds.
Keep an eye on your evergreens, which like to show off with their greenery even in winter. If snow piles on, give them a gentle shake. Too much weight and those branches might snap.
These little tips can make a big difference when the temperature drops, ensuring your garden stays a safe haven and doesn’t become a winter casualty.
Indoor Inspirations: Gardening Activities When You Can’t Venture Outside
When the weather outside is less than inviting, it’s the perfect excuse to bring the garden indoors. If you’ve got a soft spot for houseplants, as I have, now’s the time to make them shine. Opt for varieties that thrive in lower light, like snake plants or pothos. They don’t demand much but give back loads of green goodness. Remember that a lot of plants don’t need too much water during their dormant season, but they also don’t like to dry out too. The trick here is to understand what your plants need and when to feed them. Mark things on a calendar so you don’t over or underwater, and remember that some plants benefit from wiping their leaves.
Have you ever thought about seed-starting indoors? It’s actually easier than you’d think. Set up a basic station with some grow lights and heat mats. It’s like giving your seeds a warm, sunny vacation despite the chill outside. Remember to make use of vertical space too and think about hanging plants or using steps or even a living wall!
On the creative side, why not craft some indoor arrangements? Winter blooms or even dried flowers can add a bit of colour and life to your space. Digging into a bit of artsy fun is a mood booster.
Journaling isn’t just for writers. Keep a garden journal to jot down little notes and sketches about your plans, plants, or even those pesky pests you want to keep an eye on. Your future self will thank you for the blueprint when spring rolls around.
Lastly, keep those brain cogs turning with some garden-related reads or online workshops. Expanding your knowledge is never a bad idea, and who knows? You might pick up a trick or two to try out when the cold recedes.
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Hey, Gail,
It’s amazing that those little birds still live in such cold conditions. Just wondering if they have to migrate to South Sudan. I don’t know how they’ll feel.
The is article spot-on when it comes to gardening things to do in January 2025, which include planning for the year, indoor inspirations, tackling the coldness (chills), and much more. Just curious: how do plants survive in such cold places outside there?
John
Hi John. Thanks for your comments and questions. I think that nature is great at adapting to all kinds of situations. There are animals that live in all parts of the world that we humans could not inhabit, and microbes and bacteria that live in places we can’t even imagine. I think that Mother Earth has her ways of taking care of things, but it doesn’t hurt to give her a helping hand sometimes.
Really helpful tips for January gardening! It’s always tough to think about what needs to be done during the colder months. I’m curious, do you have any advice on growing indoor plants during this time of year? Also, are there specific preparations we should be making for the upcoming spring season, like soil preparation or tool maintenance? It would be great to hear what others are doing to keep their gardens thriving through the winter!
Thanks for your comments and questions on winter gardening. There’s always lots to do in winter if people are willing to brave the cold. Obviously it’s not winter everywhere but here in the UK, there are a lot things to check in on. If you only have a short time, then I would check on the wildlife and make sure plants are covered if they are tender. Nature has a great way of surviving everything I’ve found!