Gardening tips for January

 

Contents:

1. Checklist for gardening in January
2. Start planning for raised beds and more
3. Winter protection and help for beneficial insects
4. Making good use of your Christmas tree
5. Order seeds and seed potatoes now
6. Last chance to plant flower bulbs

In January, winter really gets going, and we usually still have snow and frost ahead of us. But that doesn't mean we can't already start preparing for the next gardening season – dreaming of the first spring flowers is balm for the soul during the dark season and greatly increases our anticipation for the warmer months.

What needs to be done in the garden right now, and what you can already plan for the new gardening season, we'll tell you in our January gardening tips.

January Gardening Checklist

✓ Plan your flower beds
✓ Think about overwintering garden inhabitants
✓ Use branches from the Christmas tree
✓ Order seeds and seed potatoes
✓ Plant flower bulbs on frost-free days

Start planning for raised beds and more

You can take some time to think about what you'd like to plant in the new season while enjoying a cup of tea.

If you have a raised bed, you can start thinking about which vegetables to grow this year – how about cucumbers and pumpkins, for example? When planning, make sure the plants are compatible. For more information, read our guide "Planting a Raised Bed – The Right Way". If you're still looking for a sturdy, high-quality metal raised bed, you'll find what you need at ELEO Garden! The winter months are also a great time to plan entirely new raised beds. Take a look in your garden: Surely there's a corner free that would be perfect for a new perennial bed.

Birds appreciate a well-stocked, clean nesting box in January. Bird feeder. Image source: pixabay.com, AdinaVoicu

Winter protection and help for beneficial insects

Garden inhabitants like birds and squirrels are grateful for help in winter. When snow and cold prevail, food is scarce. Regularly provide bird food and check that the birdhouses are clean and dry. This prevents the growth of germs and protects your feathered garden inhabitants from potential diseases.

Squirrels appreciate special feeding stations, which are available at garden centers but can also be easily built yourself. You can fill these with nuts and hang them in trees. Beware if cats are roaming the garden: Hang the feeding station as high as possible!

Make good use of your Christmas tree

In January, the Christmas tree starts to lose its needles – a sign that it will soon be time to leave the house. But that doesn't mean it can't still be useful. Cut off the branches and use them as winter protection for roses, perennials, and potted plants.

Order seeds and seed potatoes now

Once your planting plan for the new season is finalized, you can already start ordering seeds. Many shops offer discounts in winter, allowing you to save money – and in January, the selection of vegetable and flower seeds is still large. Experienced gardeners also know that it's best to order seed potatoes as early as possible. By February and March, the popular varieties are usually sold out. [Image of snowdrops blooming in the snow] [Image of snowdrops blooming in the snow] On frost-free days in January, bulbs of spring-flowering plants can still be planted. Image source: pixabay.com, sunflair

Last chance to plant flower bulbs

Bulbs of spring-flowering bulbs such as snowdrops and crocuses are usually planted in the fall. However, if January brings a few frost-free days, you can still plant the bulbs now. With a little luck, you can then enjoy the first blossoms in your garden in a few weeks.