The depth of Winter..

• January and early February is a good time for the winter pruning of apples and pears (non-stone fruit) and for making sure that any fallen leaves or old stems of herbaceous perennials don’t smother emerging bulbs or winter bedding

• Now is the time for winter pruning of Wisteria where stems are cut back stems to two or three buds

• Also prune other climbers such as Virginia creeper, ivy, Campsis, winter-flowering jasmine, and the late-flowering Clematis – ones that flower on the new season’s growth

• Bare rooted roses, shrubs, hedging, and some trees can also be planted now through to end of February and are a very cost-effective way to buy new plants

• In the vegetable garden, continue to harvest winter veg such as brassicas, parsnips, and any remaining carrots, then dig over any vacant plots incorporating well-rotted manure or compost into beds that will be growing potatoes, brassicas, and legumes, but do not manure beds for root vegetables

• No-dig gardening is a better alternative to digging that improves soil structure and ecology.  Simply layer on the compost now (use cardboard to smother weeds if necessary) but do not dig it in – the worms in the soil will do the hard work for you.  

• If you have the space, the warmth, and the light to grow on the young plants, some seeds can be sown now of plants that need a long growing season, such as chillies, or plants that you want to have as early as possible, such as lettuce and tomatoes. 

• Ventilate greenhouses on warmer or sunnier days if you are overwintering plants or perhaps give it a pre-Spring clean inside and out and ensure that the glass is clean to allow as much light in as possible

• Finally, as you enjoy your garden and the frosts that paint the stems and foliage, spare a thought for the birds, and put some food and water out – they will repay you later in the season by eating lots of unwanted pests