Gardening Calendar - Jobs for the garden for January

Although in the UK we are still in the grips of winter there are already signs that spring will come. Bulbs are starting to push up and some trees and shrubs will start showing buds.

The weather is usually either too wet or windy in January to do much in your garden and it really is a case of maintenance and the repair of any damage. The recent high winds across the UK have caused considerable damage in some parts and once the worst is over it is always a good idea to get out and check that your plants are still firmly rooted in the ground.

Roses are particularly prone to wind rock and can become unstable, so ensure you check your plants and where needed secure back down as firmly as possible.

If you didn't plant new roses in November then there is time now to get them planted. However, if the soil is very wet then delay until it has dried out a bit. Similarly, don’t be tempted to plant if there are frosty conditions.

It is also a good idea to go on a weed hunt. Any weeds dealt with now will be less invasive come Spring and despite the weather you will find plenty about.

Keep the birds well fed - they will still need regular supplies of seeds as their natural supplies start to dry up. Check out the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/gardens/whatyoucando for further information.

It's also a good idea to get mowers and shears etc sharpened now ready for the better weather. You can also give your spades and forks a helping hand by rubbing the wood handles with linseed oil. Always keep spades and blade forks in a clean and good condition. Never hang them up with mud or dirt on them.

Check tree trunks and clear off any moss or ivy. It is also a good idea, especially after all this rain, to clear moss etc off paths. There are a number of preparations which you can buy to do this. Moss can be dangerous and it is easy to slip on a path which has moss on it. Finally, remove any dead tops from plants that didn't get cleared in the autumn.

There are plenty of plants you can enjoy at this time of the year including Hellebores, Hyacinths, Sempervivum and winter Jasmine. Skimmia japonica and Mahonia and Pryacantha will all be giving you a good show now. If you planned ahead in the autumn you should also now be enjoying your winter tubs.