What to Do in the Garden in January: 10 Jobs

We begin a new year with high hopes for the growing season ahead. Although the garden maybe looking worse for wear, the delicate unfurling of a lone snowdrop is an indication spring is coming. Yes, we still have the prospect of enduring another couple of months of winter, but in the words of the late, great George Harrison, “All things must pass”.

So, whilst Jack Frost does his worse, take the time to order your seeds and draw up your garden plans for 2022. But don’t get too cosy, as there’s still plenty of jobs to do in the garden that’ll keep you busy this month.

1. Recycle your Christmas tree

Don’t be too quick to discard your Christmas pine tree. If you can shred it, the chippings will make great compost for ericaceous plants, such as camellias and blueberries. Try using the branches as plant supports for peas and broad beans.

2. Sow chillies and peppers

Chillies and peppers require a long growing season. So, if you have somewhere warm and bright, such as a heated greenhouse or a warm sunny windowsill, you can start them off now.

Fill a 9cm pot, or seed tray with compost. Tamp the soil down to create a firm surface, and then sow several seeds, 1cm apart. Cover over lightly with compost, water in and place somewhere warm. Seeds can take between 8-21 days to germinate.

Once seedlings have grown their true leaves (these follow on from seed leaves and look similar to the foliage of the mature plant), plant seedlings individually into 9cm pots, and water in. Place pot somewhere warm and bright, such as a heated greenhouse or conservatory to grow on. Remember to keep soil moist.