Grow your Own – Chores for January

Get ready for Spring! That should bring a smile to your face!

Tidy up

Have a good clear out and clean of the greenhouse, polytunnel and potting shed. Around and about clear and burn any rubbish that will not be used for composting.

Be prepared

Make sure you have to hand fleeces and bubble-wrap for those cold winter nights when frost is forecast in readiness to protect your lovely plants.

Soil preparation is a must – dig over your beds ready for planting in Spring. Now is also the time to be adding plenty of compost which will help the soil hold moisture, and if we end up with a dry Summer like last year, you’ll be glad you put in the groundwork now – literally!

If you haven’t already done so, complete any pruning that is still outstanding – fruit trees, vines and the like. Cut back buds close to the main stems of wisteria, vines and ivies.

Start chitting your potatoes at the end of the month, ready to plant out in March.

Under cover

If you want an early crop of strawberries, then the best time to bring them under cover is now. It’s also a good time to start to sowing indoors aubergine seeds, broad beans and peas.

Top tip

Using a sharp knife, when your sprouts are about the size of walnut, solid and compact, start to pick from the base of the stem, working upwards.