January - an overview
Cool
dry days when the ground is not too wet are good times to dig
over the soil and fork through removing any perennial weeds, making
sure all roots are removed to prevent re-growth.
Check the winter vegetables: Make sure if hard frosts are predicted,
you take enough leeks to eat as otherwise they will be too frozen
in the ground to dig out. Winter cabbage and sprouts: clean up
any dead leaves and compost. Check that there is no pigeon damage
to the leaves, if there is put a net over, or try using a deterrent
such as old CD's on string suspended above the vegetables which
can frighten birds off. Kale seems immune to pigeon attack.
Fruit bushes can be pruned; currant bushes need one third of their
growth taking out. Raspberry canes; the old wood needs removing
and the new season's growth tying in. Autumn raspberries need
cutting right back as they fruit on the new seasons growth. Sort
out the pruned wood and any pieces that are about 3ft tall with
stout branches save for using as pea stick support.
This is a good time to plant fruit. Bare rooted stock which is
cheaper than container grown plants can be heeled in, photo right
is Autumn raspberry canes.
If
you have not done already, now is a good time to order seeds.
Seed potatoes can be put in egg boxes, the "eyes" uppermost
in a cool place near to a north facing window to chit; the aim
is to have small shoots growing.
Onion
setts can be laid out on a tray in a cool light frost free room.
Key dates:
If you have any advice or tips about gardening relating to
this month contact us and if suitable will add to the page - please
local to Haworth and the surrounding area only.
