Late January: Laying the Foundations for a Brilliant Gardening Year
Late January might feel like the quietest time in the garden, but for the GardenAdvice Team, it’s one of the most important moments of the entire year.
This is the time when we work closely with our MyGardenTeam members to set their gardens up for success — not just for spring, but for the whole growing season ahead. The work we do now pays dividends for months to come.
Fruit Trees: Renovation, Pruning and Winter Care
A big focus at this time of year is fruit trees. Winter is the ideal moment to renovate neglected trees, improve structure, and prune established ones to encourage healthy growth and better cropping.
We guide our members through:
- Pruning apples, pears and other fruit trees
- Renovation pruning for older or overgrown trees
- Improving airflow and light penetration
- Removing diseased or unproductive wood
Alongside pruning, we often recommend winter washing — a simple but highly effective method of reducing overwintering pests such as aphids, scale insects and mites before they become a spring problem.
Early Pest Control: Getting Ahead, Not Catching Up
One of the biggest advantages of gardening well is prevention rather than cure. In late January and early February, we help MyGardenTeam members put early pest control strategies in place.
This includes:
- Understanding what pests are likely to appear in early spring
- Using environmentally responsible controls
- Timing treatments correctly for maximum effect
By acting now, gardeners dramatically reduce pest pressure later — meaning healthier plants and less intervention as the season gets going.
The First Sowing of the Year
While the soil may still be cold outside, late January is when we begin the first inroads into sowing.
With the right guidance, gardeners can:
- Start early vegetable sowing under cover such as peas and potatoes
- Prepare modules and compost correctly
- Choose varieties that suit early production
- Avoid common early-season mistakes
This is where confidence really matters — and it’s something we support closely within My Garden Team.
Innovative Growing Methods for Earlier Crops
We’re also big believers in working smarter, not harder. At this time of year, we help gardeners adopt innovative methods that give them a head start.
For example:
- Using black plastic or membranes to warm soil earlier
- Reducing weed growth before crops even go in
- Creating better growing conditions for early vegetables
These simple techniques can mean harvesting weeks earlier than usual — and with far less weeding later on.
Why This Matters
Gardening success isn’t about luck. It’s about timing, preparation, and knowing what to do when.
Late January is when good gardens are quietly made.
By focusing on fruit trees, pest prevention, early sowing and clever soil preparation now, our My Garden Team members head into spring confident, organised, and already ahead of the game.
Join My Garden Team
If you’re into gardening and want to develop your garden properly, this is the perfect time to start.
My Garden Team gives you expert guidance, seasonal advice, and practical support to help you make the right decisions at the right time — so your garden gets a flying start this year.
Find out more and join My Garden Team Click Here
