January is often seen as a quiet month in the UK garden. Short days, cold temperatures, frosts and occasional snow can make it feel as though there is little to do outdoors. However, January is actually an important month for gardeners. The tasks you tackle now can make a significant difference to the health, structure and productivity of your garden later in the year. With the right approach, winter gardening can be both practical and rewarding.
Here’s a practical guide to January gardening, focusing on the essential jobs to tackle now and how to approach them.
What to do:
January is the perfect time to step back and assess your garden. With most plants dormant and borders bare, it is easier to see the underlying structure of your space. Look at how paths, beds, fences and trees are laid out, and consider whether anything needs adjusting.
This is also a good month to plan changes. If you are thinking about adding a new border, vegetable bed, raised planter or seating area, sketch out ideas now. Measure available space and consider how much sun different areas receive. Plan now so you are ready when spring starts.
Practical tip:
Take photos of your garden on a clear January day. These can help you spot areas that feel empty or unbalanced when foliage returns.
What to do:
Cold weather is one of the main challenges in January. While many UK plants are hardy (can survive frosts) but sudden frosts, freezing winds and waterlogged soil can still cause damage to even the most hardy.
Check that tender plants such as fuchsias, pelargoniums and young shrubs are protected. You can use horticultural fleece (which we sell by the running metre) to cover plants or use a bark mulch around the base of the plants to protect roots. Containers are especially vulnerable because roots can freeze more easily. Move pots into sheltered spots, against a wall or inside a cold greenhouse if possible or wrap bubble wrapping around the pot to add insulation.
Wind can also be destructive, loosening roots and snapping stems. Make sure tree stakes and ties are secure on young trees and tall shrubs.
Practical tip:
Avoid walking on frosted grass or soil. This can compact the ground and damage grass blades, leading to poor growth later.
What To Do:
January is an excellent time to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs, as they are dormant and their structure is clearly visible. Removing dead, damaged or crossing branches improves airflow and encourages healthy growth in spring.
Fruit trees such as apples and pears benefit particularly from winter pruning. Focus on shaping the tree and removing inward-growing branches. However, avoid pruning stone fruits like plums and cherries in winter, as they are prone to disease; these should be pruned later in the year instead.
Practical tip:
Always use sharp, clean tools and disinfect blades between plants to prevent spreading disease.
What To Do:
Soil care is often overlooked in winter, but January is a good time to improve soil structure and fertility. If the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, you can dig organic matter such as well-rotted compost or manure into empty beds. This allows nutrients to break down gradually and be available for spring planting.
Mulching is another valuable winter task. A thick layer of organic mulch helps protect soil from heavy rain, reduces weed growth and improves moisture retention.
Practical tip:
Never dig wet, sticky soil. This damages its structure and can lead to compaction that lasts all year.
What To Do:
January is a challenging time for wildlife. Wildlife will struggle to find food and shelter during winter months.
Keep bird feeders topped up with seeds, suet and peanuts and ensure fresh water is available, breaking ice when necessary. Leaving seed heads on plants such as teasels provides natural food sources and adds winter interest to the garden.
If you have log piles, leaf piles or undisturbed corners, leave them alone. These provide essential shelter for insects and small mammals.
Practical tip:
Clean bird feeders regularly with hot water to prevent the spread of disease. Put up a nest box as birds will soon be pairing up and looking for a home to raise their family.
Things To Do:
Lawns require minimal attention in January, but a little care goes a long way.
Remove fallen leaves, branches and debris from the lawn to prevent patches of rot and moss from developing. Avoid mowing and keep off the lawn during frost or snow to avoid compaction.
Practical tip:
If moss is a persistent problem, note affected areas now and plan treatments for spring.
What To Do:
If you have a greenhouse, January is a productive month. Clean glass to maximise light levels and wash down benches and pots to remove pests and diseases. Check heaters, vents and insulation to ensure plants are protected during cold nights.
You can start sowing certain seeds indoors, such as onions, leeks and early lettuce – provided you have enough light and warmth. Houseplants also benefit from attention now—wipe dust from leaves, reduce watering, and check for pests like spider mites.
Practical tip:
Water greenhouse and houseplants sparingly in winter; overwatering is a common cause of plant loss.
What To Do:
With less time spent actively gardening, January is ideal for maintaining tools. Clean soil from spades, sharpen secateurs, oil wooden handles and check lawnmowers or hedge trimmers for wear.
Organising sheds and garages can save time later in the year. Dispose of broken pots, sort seed packets and label storage boxes clearly.
Practical tip:
Buy tools and materials you need now so you are ready to go in spring.
Finally, January is about preparing mentally and practically for the growing season ahead. Maybe plan to try something new this year, whether it’s a new vegetable variety, wildflower patch or a pond.
We know that January can feel like a long month but visit our garden centre and you will see lots of ideas for bringing cheer to your garden or home. We have lovely outdoor seasonal plants in flower looking gorgeous (primroses and hellebores especially) and indoors we have a lovely selection of tall houseplants to fill the gap where your Christmas tree has gone. Why not pop in to our café too for a nice warming drink and slice of cake? Our staff look forward to seeing you soon.
Clyst St. Mary
Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary,
Exeter, Devon, EX5 1AE.
Telephone: 01392 876281
Email: gardening@stbridgetnurseries.co.uk
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm*
Sundays 10.00am to 4.00pm*
Bank Holidays 9.00am to 5.00pm
*Cafe open until 4.30pm each day and until 3.30pm on Sundays.
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Easter Sunday.
