GardenAdvice Gardening Calendar 2nd Week January
Whitch hazel flower – winter flowering shrub
January may feel quiet in the garden, but there are still plenty of valuable jobs that can be carried out, even during periods of snow and hard frost. With much of the UK experiencing very cold conditions, now is the ideal time to focus on winter maintenance, planning, wildlife care and propagation.
Alongside the tasks already covered in our first week of January gardening calendar, the GardenAdvice team have been working on Cornus and willow hardwood cuttings, which root reliably at this time of year.
Below are some additional gardening tasks suitable for UK gardens in the second week of January.
Protecting the Garden in Snow and Frost
Avoid walking on frozen or snow-covered lawns, as this can damage grass and compact the soil.
Gently brush heavy snow off evergreen shrubs and hedges to prevent branches snapping.
Check fleece and winter protection on tender plants after storms or snowfall.
Move potted plants closer to walls or into sheltered positions to reduce frost damage.
General seasonal guidance covering winter protection and garden care:
Winter Pruning and Structural Work
January is ideal for pruning many dormant plants while their structure is clearly visible.
Prune apple and pear trees on frost-free days to improve shape and fruiting:
GardenAdvice winter fruit tree pruning service:
- https://gardenadvice.co.uk/blog/winter-fruit-tree-care-service/
- https://gardenadvice.co.uk/winter-fruit-pruning-service-fruit-trees/
Cut back soft fruit bushes such as currants and gooseberries.
Prune wisteria, grapevines and climbing roses to keep growth under control.
Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches from deciduous trees and shrubs.
Avoid pruning frost-sensitive plants during very cold spells.
Propagation and Cuttings
Winter is an excellent time for hardwood cuttings.
Taking and growing hardwood cuttings:
Cornus hardwood cuttings:
Take hardwood cuttings of Cornus and willow, inserting them directly into the ground or pots of free-draining compost.
Other suitable plants include dogwood, currants, roses and viburnum.
Keep cuttings well labelled and water during dry spells.
Soil Care and Planning Ahead
Test soil pH and condition so improvements can be planned before spring.
Add organic matter or mulch to beds when soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
Plan planting schemes, crop rotation and border designs while the garden is quiet.
Order seeds, bare-root plants and summer bulbs early to avoid shortages.
Seasonal soil care and planning guidance:
Tools, Sheds and Greenhouses
Clean and sharpen tools such as secateurs, spades and hedge shears.
Service lawn mowers and powered equipment while they are not in use.
Wash greenhouse glass to maximise light levels for early sowings.
Clear gutters and water butts to make the most of winter rainfall.
General winter maintenance guidance:
Wildlife Care in Winter
Keep bird feeders topped up with high-energy foods.
Provide fresh water daily, breaking ice during freezing conditions.
Leave seed heads on perennials to support birds and beneficial insects.
Wildlife-friendly winter garden practices are included in:
Indoor Sowing and Early Growing
Sow sweet peas, violas and hardy annuals in a bright, frost-free place.
Chit seed potatoes on a cool, light windowsill.
Start onions, leeks and early herbs under cover for planting out later.
January second week gardening overview:
January Gardening Reminder
Winter gardening is about preparation rather than pace. Working with the weather, protecting plants and planning ahead will all pay dividends once spring arrives.
