January gardening tips

A brand new year is here and the possibilities that lie ahead are almost endless. So let’s begin anew, and prepare and plan to make 2025 the best gardening year you’ve ever had, says Adam Kirtland

A new year really does bring us an open-ended list of options in the garden. To try things you’ve not done in the past, to bring forwards those ideas that did work last year, to improve, to grow (pun intended!) and to really plan for how you’d like your garden to be this time around.

For me, I’ll be starting the year with some planting, pruning and plotting! Time to get the tools out the shed, dust them off after a Christmas break and get back into action again. So, let’s get to it!

Drop some Snow!

Starting new snowdrop colonies in your garden is a cracking idea for January. While you can plant snowdrop bulbs in autumn, now’s the time to focus on establishing them in the green. This means transplanting established clumps or buying them freshly dug up while they’re still leafy. It’s much more reliable than dried bulbs.

To get going, dig a nice hole in well-drained soil, in a shady or semi-shady spot – snowdrops love dappled woodland spaces. Loosen the soil a bit and pop the clump in, ensuring it sits at the same depth as before. Gently backfill, firm down and water well. Keep them moist but not waterlogged while they settle in. If you’re pinching some from your garden’s existing clumps remember to divide them after flowering, not now. Snowdrops are slow starters but give it a couple of years, and you’ll have a lovely drift of white nodding flowers!

Sort those Seeds!

January is the perfect time to sort through your seed stash and get prepped for the growing season. First, drag out that tin box, or whatever chaotic corner you’ve been stuffing packets into. Check the dates – most seeds have a shelf life, and while some, like tomatoes, can surprise you after a few years others lose their mojo fast. Bin anything ancient or that you know deep down you’ll never sow. Be ruthless! If they’re still ok, but you don’t want them then consider sharing with friends.

Next, take stock of what you’ve got. Got loads of courgettes but no carrots? Write it down. Dreaming of a new wildflower patch or some jazzy dahlias? Now’s your chance to get creative. Make a wish list and start browsing seed catalogues or websites for fresh inspiration.

Finally, organise what’s staying – maybe sort by sowing month. You’ll thank yourself later when spring madness hits. Get the kettle on; this is garden admin at its finest!

Winter Salads

January’s not just for garden planning – you can still grow winter salad! If you’ve got a greenhouse, cold frame, or even a sunny windowsill, you’re sorted. Lamb’s lettuce is a cracking choice. It’s hardy, tasty and keeps going in chilly weather. Scatter the seeds thinly in trays or direct into well-drained soil under cover. Keep them moist and in a few weeks you’ll have tender, nutty leaves perfect for perking up winter meals.

If lamb’s lettuce isn’t your vibe, try winter varieties of spinach. Regular picking keeps them producing, so you’ll have fresh salad when everyone else is dreaming of spring.

Happy Houseplants 

January is tough on houseplants, so give them a bit of TLC. With shorter days most plants grow slower, so ease up on watering – damp roots are a big no-no in winter. Stick a finger in the soil to check. If it’s dry, water sparingly.

Keep an eye out for dust on leaves which blocks light and give them a gentle wipe with a damp cloth. Watch for sneaky pests like spider mites which thrive in central heating. If your plants are sulking in the gloom move them closer to windows, but avoid cold draughts. Happy plants now mean lush growth later!

Follow Adam on Instagram @viewfromthepottingbench or listen to his podcast Tales from The Potting Bench for more gardening inspiration. You can also read Adam’s blog at viewfromthepottingbench.com