What to Do in the Garden in January | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in March, including pruning, lawn care, planting, fruit and vegetables, hard landscaping, spring weather advice and the best plants to enjoy this month.
What to do in my garden in January
January is often one of the quietest months in the gardening calendar, but there is still plenty to do outside when conditions allow. The garden may appear dormant, yet this is an important month for pruning, checking trees and structures, protecting vulnerable plants, maintaining hard landscaping and planning ahead for the growing season.
For UK gardens, January weather can vary considerably. Mild, wet periods may be followed by hard frost, snow or strong winds, so many gardening jobs should be guided by conditions rather than the date.
Avoid walking on frozen lawns, digging waterlogged soil or pruning plants during severe frost. Instead, use dry and relatively mild days to tackle winter maintenance and preparation.
January is also one of the best months to look critically at the structure of a garden. With much of the herbaceous planting dormant, trees, hedges, paths, walls, screening and other permanent elements become much easier to assess.
Top 10 tips
1. Check trees after winter storms
Strong winds can loosen recently planted trees and shrubs.
Check stakes, ties and anchoring systems and make sure there is no excessive movement around the rootball.
Firm plants back into the ground where necessary, provided the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
2. Prune suitable deciduous trees and shrubs
January is a useful pruning month for many dormant deciduous plants.
Remove dead, damaged, diseased and badly crossing branches where appropriate.
Always check the pruning requirements of individual species before cutting.
3. Prune established apple and pear trees
Winter pruning of apples and pears can be carried out while the trees are dormant.
Aim to maintain a balanced framework with good light and air movement through the canopy.
4. Protect vulnerable plants
Check horticultural fleece, protective coverings and other winter protection after strong winds.
Tender plants in containers may need moving to a more sheltered position during particularly cold weather.
5. Clear leaves from paths and drainage
Wet leaves can create slippery surfaces and may block drainage channels.
Sweep paths, patios, steps and driveways regularly and keep gullies and channel drains clear.
6. Avoid walking on frozen lawns
Walking over heavily frosted grass can damage frozen leaves and leave visible footprints that remain long after the frost has disappeared.
Wait until the lawn has thawed before crossing it whenever possible.
7. Plant bare-root trees and hedging
January can remain an excellent time to plant bare-root and root-balled trees, shrubs and hedging.
Do not plant into frozen or waterlogged soil.
8. Check stored fruit and vegetables
Inspect stored produce regularly and remove anything showing signs of mould or decay before it spreads.
9. Feed garden birds
Natural food supplies can become increasingly scarce during winter.
Providing suitable food and fresh water can help support garden birds through periods of severe weather.
10. Plan the year ahead
January is one of the best months for garden planning.
Review which areas worked well last year, identify gaps in planting and consider any changes to patios, paths, screening, lighting, trees or planting before the spring rush begins.
Herbaceous Perennials
Most herbaceous perennials remain dormant during January, and many gardeners deliberately leave old stems standing through winter.
Seed heads and dried stems can provide valuable structural interest, particularly when covered in frost.
They can also offer shelter and food for wildlife.
Plants such as:
Rudbeckia
Echinacea
Sedum
Verbena
Asters
Ornamental grasses
can often remain attractive well into winter.
There is therefore no need to cut every perennial back simply because the top growth has died.
Where stems have collapsed, become untidy or are smothering emerging bulbs, they can gradually be removed.
Take care when working in borders because early bulbs and other plants may already be appearing beneath old foliage.
Avoid walking directly across wet borders, particularly on heavy clay soil. Compaction at this time of year can damage soil structure.
January is also an excellent month to assess gaps within perennial planting schemes while the overall structure of the border is clearly visible.
January is an important month for trees and shrubs because most deciduous plants remain dormant.
Without foliage, the branch structure of a tree or shrub is much easier to inspect.
Look for:
Dead branches
Damaged branches
Crossing branches
Congested growth
Weak branch unions
Storm damage
Broken tree ties
Loose stakes
Many deciduous trees and shrubs can be pruned during winter, although pruning requirements vary considerably between species.
Do not assume that every dormant plant should be pruned.
Spring-flowering shrubs may already be carrying the flower buds needed for the coming season, and inappropriate winter pruning can remove much of the display.
Recently planted specimen trees should be inspected particularly carefully after storms.
Movement at the base of a newly planted tree can prevent roots establishing properly.
Check staking and anchoring systems and make sure tree ties are secure without cutting into the bark.
January is also part of the traditional planting season for many bare-root and root-balled trees, shrubs and hedges.
Plant whenever the soil is workable, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen, snow-covered or saturated.
Lawns generally require very little intervention during January.
The most important consideration is preventing unnecessary damage.
Avoid walking across frozen lawns wherever possible.
When grass blades are frozen they become brittle and can be damaged underfoot, resulting in brown or blackened footprints once the lawn thaws.
Waterlogged lawns should also be avoided because repeated foot traffic can compact the soil beneath them.
Remove fallen leaves, branches and other debris during mild weather.
Leaving dense layers of leaves on the lawn reduces light and airflow and can encourage disease.
Mowing is rarely necessary during a typical January, although exceptionally mild weather may produce some growth.
If mowing is required, choose a dry day, set the mower relatively high and avoid cutting wet or frosted grass.
January is an excellent time to identify persistent problems such as:
Poor drainage
Moss
Excessive shade
Compaction
Bare patches
Uneven levels
These issues can then be addressed when active lawn renovation begins later in spring.
January is an important pruning and planting month in the fruit garden.
Established apple and pear trees can normally be winter pruned while dormant.
Begin by removing dead, damaged or diseased wood.
Then consider the overall framework of the tree, removing badly crossing or congested branches where appropriate.
The objective is generally to produce an open canopy that allows good penetration of light and movement of air.
Avoid winter pruning stone fruits such as:
Cherries
Plums
Gages
Damsons
These are generally better pruned during the growing season because winter pruning can increase the risk of diseases such as silver leaf.
Bare-root fruit trees and bushes can be planted during January whenever ground conditions are suitable.
Check supporting stakes and ties on younger trees.
Currants, gooseberries and other soft fruit can also be inspected and pruned according to their individual requirements.
Keep checking stored apples and other fruit and discard damaged or decaying specimens promptly.
The vegetable garden is relatively quiet during January, but there are several useful jobs that can be completed.
Avoid working wet soil.
Heavy clay in particular can be badly damaged by cultivation when saturated.
Instead, use suitable conditions to:
Remove perennial weeds
Spread well-rotted organic matter
Repair raised beds
Clean paths
Check supports
Prepare seed trays and pots
Order seeds
Plan crop rotations
Some early vegetables can be sown under heated or protected conditions.
These may include certain varieties of:
Onions
Leeks
Broad beans
Lettuce
Spinach
Early sowing should only be undertaken where adequate light and temperature can be provided.
Seedlings grown too warm with insufficient light may become weak and leggy.
Seed potatoes can be purchased ready for chitting later during winter.
Continue harvesting hardy overwintering vegetables where available, which might include leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips and winter cabbage.
The herb garden is largely dormant during January, although evergreen and semi-evergreen herbs can continue providing useful foliage.
Rosemary, thyme, sage and bay may remain productive depending on weather and location.
Mediterranean herbs are particularly vulnerable to prolonged winter wet.
Good drainage is often more important than protection from cold.
Avoid heavy pruning of woody herbs during severe winter weather.
Remove obviously damaged or diseased material where necessary, but major renovation is generally better left until conditions become milder.
Mint, chives and many other herbaceous herbs will be dormant below ground.
Take the opportunity to clean containers and plan any new herb planting for spring.
Bay trees grown in containers should be protected from severe frost and cold winds, particularly in exposed gardens.
January is a quiet month for water features but winter maintenance remains important.
Remove fallen leaves and excessive organic debris before it decomposes in the water.
Check ponds following freezing weather and inspect exposed equipment for frost damage.
Pumps that have been removed for winter should be stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
If equipment remains operational, inspect:
Pumps
Pipework
Filters
Electrical connections
Water outlets
Reservoirs
Do not smash ice on a frozen wildlife pond.
The shock created by striking the ice can disturb or harm aquatic wildlife.
Where necessary, use a more gradual method of creating an opening.
Avoid unnecessary disturbance of the pond during winter because amphibians and other wildlife may be overwintering in or around it.
Decorative fountains and rills that have been drained for winter should occasionally be inspected to ensure standing water has not accumulated in vulnerable components.
January weather can be particularly hard on paving, paths, walls and other constructed elements of the garden.
Regular inspection can identify problems before they become more serious.
Check:
Patios
Porcelain paving
Natural stone paving
Paths
Steps
Driveways
Retaining walls
Garden walls
Edging
Drainage channels
Manhole covers
Wet leaves, algae and organic debris can make hard surfaces extremely slippery.
Keep frequently used routes clean, particularly steps and shaded paths.
Avoid using products that could damage paving, surrounding planting or drainage systems.
Frost can expose weaknesses in joints or poorly supported paving.
Look for movement, cracking or loose units after periods of repeated freezing and thawing.
Keep drainage channels and gullies clear.
Heavy winter rainfall can expose drainage problems extremely effectively.
Persistent pooling or standing water may indicate a blocked outlet, inadequate falls or a wider drainage issue.
January is also a good month to plan new landscaping work before spring and summer demand increases.
Winter storms make January an important month for inspecting garden structures.
Check:
Pergolas
Fences
Gates
Privacy screens
Trellis
Gazebos
Garden buildings
Sheds
Raised beds
Bin stores
Log stores
Look for loose panels, damaged fixings and movement around posts.
Fence posts are particularly vulnerable where timber enters the ground.
Check gates for alignment, as timber can swell during wet winter weather.
Pergolas and other structures carrying mature climbing plants should be inspected for excessive weight or storm damage.
Remove broken branches from climbing plants where necessary.
Clean gutters on garden buildings and ensure downpipes remain free-flowing.
Small repairs carried out now can prevent much larger problems during later storms.
House plants are generally growing slowly in January because natural light levels are low.
Overwatering is one of the most common problems at this time of year.
Allow compost to dry appropriately between waterings according to the plant's individual requirements.
Do not water simply according to a weekly timetable.
Move plants away from cold draughts and avoid allowing foliage to remain pressed against freezing windows.
Plants positioned directly above radiators may experience very dry air and large temperature fluctuations.
January is a useful time to:
Remove dead foliage
Wipe dust from leaves
Check for pests
Rotate pots occasionally
Remove standing water from saucers
Check drainage
Avoid routinely feeding most house plants that are not actively growing.
Repotting can usually wait until spring unless a plant urgently requires attention.
Look carefully for pests including:
Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Fungus gnats
Indoor heating can create conditions particularly favourable to some pests.
January weather has a major influence on what can sensibly be done in the garden.
Rather than trying to complete jobs according to a fixed schedule, allow conditions to determine when you work.
Frost
Avoid cultivating frozen ground.
Do not walk unnecessarily across frozen lawns and take care when handling frozen evergreen plants, whose branches can become brittle.
Postpone pruning during severe frost.
Snow
A light covering of snow can provide insulation to plants.
Heavy accumulations, however, may weigh down evergreen shrubs and conifers.
Where branches are bending dangerously, carefully brush away loose snow before it becomes compacted.
Avoid violently shaking frozen branches.
Heavy Rain
Waterlogging is one of the greatest winter problems in many UK gardens.
Avoid digging, planting or repeatedly walking across saturated soil.
Instead, use periods of heavy rain to observe where water collects and where drainage improvements may be required.
Strong Winds
After storms, check:
Newly planted trees
Stakes and ties
Fences
Screens
Pergolas
Garden buildings
Large evergreen shrubs
Wind rock can be particularly damaging to recently planted trees.
Mild Weather
Some Januarys contain surprisingly mild periods.
Bulbs may emerge early and certain shrubs can begin showing signs of growth.
Do not assume that winter has finished.
Hard frost can quickly return and damage tender new growth.
Plants to enjoy in March
Border and rock garden
Helleborus – Hellebores
Hellebores are among the most valuable plants for winter gardens.
Many begin flowering during January, producing elegant flowers in shades of white, green, pink, purple and deep red.
Galanthus – Snowdrops
Early snowdrops may begin flowering during January, particularly in sheltered gardens.
They are especially effective naturalised beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
Cyclamen coum
Cyclamen coum produces delicate winter flowers above beautifully patterned foliage.
It performs particularly well beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
Eranthis hyemalis – Winter Aconite
The bright yellow flowers of winter aconite can begin appearing in late winter.
When established in groups they create striking carpets beneath deciduous trees.
Bergenia
Bergenias provide broad foliage that can develop excellent red, purple and bronze winter tones.
Some varieties may also begin flowering early.
Heuchera
Many Heucheras retain colourful foliage throughout winter.
Their leaves can provide shades ranging from lime green through amber, bronze, purple and almost black.
Carex
Evergreen and semi-evergreen sedges provide texture and movement throughout winter and work particularly well alongside winter-flowering perennials.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Evergreen foliage becomes particularly important during January.
Fatsia japonica
Large glossy leaves give Fatsia a strong architectural presence throughout winter.
It is particularly effective in sheltered and partially shaded gardens.
Aucuba japonica
Aucuba provides reliable evergreen foliage in shaded conditions.
Variegated cultivars can introduce bright yellow and green colour into dark winter borders.
Mahonia
Bold evergreen leaves combine with winter flowers to make Mahonia particularly valuable at this time of year.
Euonymus fortunei
Evergreen Euonymus cultivars provide reliable year-round foliage, with numerous variegated forms available.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Glossy evergreen foliage makes holly one of the classic structural plants of the winter garden.
Pittosporum
In suitable sheltered locations, Pittosporum provides attractive evergreen foliage in a wide range of colours.
Skimmia japonica
Dense evergreen foliage, flower buds and berries make Skimmia especially useful in winter planting schemes.
Trees with colourful fruit
Fruit and berries can become some of the most prominent sources of colour within a January garden.
They are also an important winter food source for wildlife.
Malus – Crab Apples
Many ornamental crab apples retain colourful fruit well into winter.
Red, orange and yellow fruits can look particularly striking against bare branches.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Female holly plants can produce heavy crops of bright red berries where suitable pollination has occurred.
Pyracantha
Pyracantha can produce spectacular displays of red, orange or yellow berries.
Its evergreen foliage also provides winter structure and cover for wildlife.
Cotoneaster
Many Cotoneaster species carry masses of red or orange berries through winter.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Hawthorn haws may remain on trees into winter and provide a valuable food source for birds.
Sorbus – Rowan
Depending upon the variety and how quickly birds discover them, some Rowan fruits can persist into winter.
Greenhouse Plants
A heated or protected greenhouse can provide valuable flowers and colour during January.
Cyclamen
Florist cyclamen can produce abundant winter flowers when kept in cool, bright conditions.
Primulas
Primulas can provide vibrant colour under cool greenhouse conditions.
Pelargoniums
Overwintered Pelargoniums may continue flowering where sufficient warmth and light are available.
Orchids
Numerous orchids can flower during winter depending upon species and growing conditions.
Clivia
Clivias can begin producing flower spikes during winter and early spring.
Forced Hyacinths
Prepared hyacinth bulbs can provide highly fragrant flowers during January when grown under suitable conditions.
Narcissus
Paperwhite and other indoor Narcissus can produce attractive and fragrant winter displays.
Planning the Garden in January
January provides something that becomes increasingly scarce as spring approaches: time to stand back and properly assess the garden.
With much of the herbaceous planting dormant, the underlying structure becomes clearly visible.
This makes it easier to assess:
The position and scale of trees
Screening and privacy
Evergreen structure
Paths and circulation
Patios and seating areas
Garden lighting
Boundaries
Views from inside the house
Areas that feel empty during winter
Drainage problems
If a garden only works when everything is flowering, January can expose weaknesses within its design.
Well-designed gardens should retain structure throughout the year through the careful use of trees, hedging, evergreen planting, grasses, stems, bark, walls and other architectural elements.
Use January to identify what could be improved and plan alterations before the main growing and landscaping season begins.
January: A Month for Preparation
January may not have the colour and abundance of summer, but it is an extremely useful gardening month.
The work carried out now is primarily about protecting, maintaining and preparing.
Inspect trees after storms, keep paving and drainage clear, complete appropriate winter pruning, look after wildlife and use periods of poor weather to plan improvements.
Most importantly, avoid forcing jobs when conditions are unsuitable.
Frozen soil, waterlogged borders and saturated lawns are often better left undisturbed.
Work with the weather and January becomes an opportunity to prepare the garden properly for the year ahead.