January – Tasks & Notes for Sally
Sally’s garden is slightly acidic overall with thin acidic soil beneath the beech tree; the front is gravel (sunny/dry) and the side garden is shady and needs soil improvement and shade-tolerant planting.
Priority tasks (this month)
Improve soil under the beech (Top priority)
Spread a thin layer of spent mushroom compost or well-rotted leaf mould and gently work into the top 5–10 cm (avoid heavy digging near roots). This builds humus, improves moisture retention and helps new plants establish.
Cut back & mulch strawberries; plan fruit protection
Remove old runners and diseased foliage, then apply a light mulch to protect crowns over winter. Plan fruit cages/netting for birds in spring.
Plant or prepare bare-root fruit trees (pear/cherry/peach)
January–March is the prime window for bare-root planting. Plant to correct depth, stake and water in thoroughly. For peaches, remove dead wood now and plan structural pruning while fully dormant.
Repot/move tender pots (e.g., hibiscus)
Repot into ericaceous compost if required and move to a frost-free spot/shelter. Reduce but don’t stop watering — do not let compost dry out completely.
Plant-specific tasks & notes
Beech border (shade + acid soil): Add organic matter (spent mushroom compost / leaf mould). Choose acid-tolerant, shade-loving plants for understorey. Avoid heavy digging near tree roots.
Hydrangeas & acid-loving shrubs: Top up with acid mulch (leaf mould or spent mushroom compost). Keep mulch away from stems.
Hibiscus (potted): Repot into ericaceous compost (12″ pot recommended in the report) and shelter from frost; reduce watering but keep compost lightly moist.
Raspberries / Blackberries: Remove fruited canes on autumn varieties, thin summer types as needed, tie in new canes and tidy the rows. Plan bird protection.
Blueberries: Maintain acid soil (ericaceous compost or mulch) and protect roots with mulch. Blueberries cope better in containers if the soil is not acidic enough.
Fruit & vegetable tasks (based on your Grow-Your-Own list)
Sally’s selected crops: Beetroot; Carrots; Courgettes; Parsnips; Potatoes; Swede; Turnips; Strawberries; Blackberries; Blueberries; Raspberries; Gooseberry; Peach; Pear; Cabbage; Onions; Peas; Spring Onions; Cucumbers; Runner beans.
Seed & material planning: Order seeds, seed potatoes and onion sets now. Plan rotations and sowing slots for peas, onions, potatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and runner beans.
Potatoes: Plan seed potato planting for March; check stored potatoes for rot and store in cool, dark conditions.
Onions / Spring onions: Order onion sets and plan February–March planting.
Peas / Broad beans: Prepare beds (add compost) and plan supports for peas. Broad beans can be sown outside in sheltered spots in late winter.
Root veg: Protect any roots left in ground with straw or heavy mulch; plan early spring sowings for carrots/beetroot and early sowings for parsnips.
Courgettes & Cucumbers: Clear spent plants, remove diseased foliage (do not compost diseased material) and tidy beds for spring.
Pests, disease & wildlife notes
Winter wash for fruit & roses: On a mild, calm day, apply an appropriate winter wash to reduce overwintering pests — follow product instructions, avoid freezing temperatures. Remove and destroy diseased foliage (don’t compost it).
Slugs: Use a combined approach — beer traps or black bin-liner traps to monitor/control numbers, encourage toads by providing shelter, and use nematodes once soils are ~5°C and moist. Nematodes work best as temperatures rise.
General garden tasks
Lawn: Plan overseeding for thin areas (use a fescue mix for shade). Consider bio-lime where the lawn pH is low. Avoid work if soil is very wet.
Compost: Turn and insulate the heap; check for hibernating wildlife before disturbing.
Paths & decking: Schedule a winter clean for a mild, dry day.
Containers: Insulate and shelter tender pots, reduce watering, and ensure pots don’t alternate freezing/thawing.