January

January poses a number of challenges to allotmenteers and gardeners alike. The whether is often cold and wet causing the ground to become waterlogged. Working waterlogged ground will only cause it to become compact and unaerated.

Their are still reasons to stay busy and get your hands dirty.

What to harvest?

• Winter Cabbages

• Swede

• Celeriac

• Parsnips

• Leeks

• Endive

• Brussel Sprouts

• Kale

• Winter Radishes

• Jerusalem Artichokes

• Sprouting Broccoli

• Winter Cauliflowers

What to sow?

• Broad Beans

• Peas

• Onions

• Leeks

• Radishes

• Rhubarb

• Winter Salad Leaves

What to sow/plant out?

• Broad Beans

• Fruit Trees

• Fruit Bushes

• Garlic

Jobs

Mulch, Compost, and Manure Beds

January is a quiet sowing and harvesting month that provides time to do those bigger jobs you've been delaying. The majority of plants have dropped their leaves enabling assessment of edging, garden structures, and large plants. Beds are bare ready for fresh compost and manure spreading. Even with the colder whether a number of plants will need starting now to ensure a good crop.

All your efforts over the previous year has likely resulted in an abundance of flowers, fruit, and vegetables. All this productivity comes at a cost, depleting soil of nutrients resulting in a lower yield the following year. To Replenish soil nutrients, spread compost or manure over the surface . There's no need to dig in compost or manure as it will naturally integrate with the existing soil over time.

Note: Make sure any manure is well rotted

Prune Fruit Trees

Fruit trees such as apples and pears require pruning to maintain productivity and reduce the chances of disease. Januarys colder weather ensures the trees are dormant with any energy being directed down into the roots.

Note: For more information on winter pruning see our winter pruning guide here.

Chit Potatoes

Its a good time of year to start preparing you potatoes by chitting them on a cool windowsill. There is plenty of conjecture online whether supermarket potatoes should be used for chitting. Introducing disease to your beds is the primary reason against supermarket potatoes. However, there are many people who save money not buying seed potatoes and have successful results.

Protect Plants With Fleece

Review any overwintering plants, although hardy some such as cauliflowers will welcome some extra warmth if particularly cold weather is forecast. Fleece allows light through enabling plants to photosynthesise while having extra protection.