A year in the GW etcettera

[Dutchy]

No this is not the official thread ;D

I somehow can't find a what to do list for January and thought I would start something and leave it up to admin to get it into full swing.

So what can one do in January.

Check the hard landscaping if you haven't done that yet and repair what needs doing.

Also it is about high time to clean Green Houses or cold frames.
Add all containers that you used the past growing season to that cleaning list and all tools not in use at the moment.

With the first sunshine clean the furniture when there is nothing else to do. ( You have time until March for this so why hurry )
Wood can be cleaned real easy with an iron pan spunge and the following solution. Warm water, vinegar and dishwasher salt added. When scrubbing your chairs or tables wear gloves. No point in removing not only the green but also your skin.

Now the nice bit.
Gardening

Weather allowing cut back shrubs and trees that need it.
As long as there is no frost you can cut most.
Do remember that Spring flowering ones will lose what you cut off.

Roses only cut back half to what you need as they get their haircut at the end of February into March ( depending on them going for Spring ahead of time )

Do not cut Birch trees as they will bleed to death. Birch needs to be cut in September.

So far I have never regretted cutting back other than an overgrown Viburnum opulus. It did not mind the cut but I lost all flowers that year. That is the price you pay.

You can still plant Pansies that will flower whenever there is no frost.

Your bulbs will be showing their growing tips but if you can't wait you can get yourself pregrown ones in pot and place in a sheltered spot. As long as there is no hard frost they will give you an early show. ( do remember to get into a frostfree space when Winter does show its white beard )
Most can be planted out once spend and will give you pleasure next year.

Sowing.
Hardy things like Peas and Broad beans can be sown under glass.
As Sweet peas ( for fun) and by the end of the month onions as well.
Early sowing with cabages is a no no as they will shoot when you do.
Early peas and broadbeens have less chances on fly trouble.
Or so I am told.
Experianced veg growers are hereby requested to react.

Any other suggestions ?

[Plocket]

Nice one Dutchy

The only thing I can think of adding is DON'T be tempted to tidy or prune your clematis or you will encourage them to grow new shoots. They might have already started but there's still plenty of time for a cold snap and those new shoots will die.

[Dutchy]

Oh bggr just when I have to cut back the group 3 Clems at MssK in order to transplant them.
Yes they have started but from the old stems. As they need to be cut back anyhow I thought I could go for it

Yes I am fighting to get things ready for the planting and seeding frenzy so anything I can do now gets done now.

Forgot one.
All woody plants with no leaves on can be transplanted or planted as long as there is no frost.
( like right now
No excuse for not going out to your gardencenter. Lots are up for sale but do check for a healthy rootsystem.