Welcome to 2024 everyone. I thought I would start the year with my thoughts on what jobs can be done in January, and with a view towards the new growing season now that the days are getting longer.
At the top of my list are the winter pruning jobs with my main focus being on the apple and pear pruning, however other fruit bushes are also pruned at this time, including gooseberry, blackcurrant and blackberry's (in late winter). For the veg plot it's a good time to set out and chit seed potatoes. Use old egg-boxes to rest the seed potatoes on and place them in a light airy space such as on a windowsill. This will encourage growth of the shoots which, once planted, will develop the new crop. If you haven't already done so then January is a good time to sow your onion seeds in order that the seedlings will develop in advance of planting out in March.
If the weather is favourable then some cultivation can take place, and if dug over and left the freeze / thaw action will help to break down large clods, especially if you have heavy clay soil like we do. Do not however cultivate when the weather is not favourable as this can cause soil compaction and damage the soil structure.
If you have had a real tree over the festive period, then you will probably be at, or near to the point where you will be taking it down. If you have access to a chipper then this is a good opportunity to chip your tree and put the material aside for future use as a mulch. If you do not have access to a chipper yourself, contact a local gardener, or tree surgeon as they may well be able to take it away for you.
Last on the list, if you haven't already done so, get your lawnmower serviced. We will soon be into spring, at which point your local service centre may well be over-run!
Finally a very Happy New Year to you all, and all the best for 2024!
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