Although January is still quite a wintry month, there's still lots you can get up to in the garden. From pruning to planting, there's no shortage of work regardless of the cold weather!

With spring approaching, you may be conscious of how to get your garden ready in time. We've compiled this handy list of gardening jobs to do throughout January to prepare your garden for spring.

Lift Damaged Plants

Now is the perfect time to throw away damaged and rotted plants to make way for new ones come spring. This can also be helpful as it will allow you to think ahead and decide what you need to order before spring begins, such as new plants or shrubs.

Move Your Strawberry Plants

January is the best time to move your strawberry plants indoors or into a greenhouse as it promotes early fruiting. You may have already moved your potted plants into your greenhouse before winter began, but if not then around now is the best time to get them under shelter.

Bird Box Maintenance 

January is a great time to survey your bird boxes and make sure they're not wobbly or need maintenance before the nesting season begins. If you don't have any bird boxes around the garden and you'd like to add one before spring, find a nice sheltered spot in a tree or bush.

Prune Dormant Climbing Roses

Like most roses, climbers need pruning in winter months. The only exception to this rule, of course, is rambling rose bushes. They should be pruned as soon as they've finished flowering. 





Plant Bare Rooted Plants

Loose rooted plants like shrubs, roses, hedging and ornamental trees can be planted throughout January while they're dormant. Just make sure the ground isn't frozen! Scotland gardeners may want to wait until the weather calms down more in February/March before planting their loose roots. 

More Jobs for the January Garden:

• Remove any weeds from your beds and borders, especially before planting new plants.
• Throw away damaged pots and buy new ones before the season starts.
• Top up bird baths regularly and defrost frozen water with warm water in the mornings or throughout the day.
• Inspect plants for rot and throw away any if necessary.
• Prune your pear and apple trees to remove dead or damaged branches before spring.