January
- Bexley Garden Centre
- Jan 1, 2025
- 2 min read
January is mostly about protecting plants, prepping for spring, and keeping wildlife supported.
January jobs in the garden
Garden protection & weather prep
Frost fleece, bubble-wrap pots, raise containers on feet, clear snow off shrubs.
Lawn care
Avoid walking on frosty grass, brush off worm casts when dry, apply gritty loam/top dressing if conditions suit.
Veg patch & seed prep
Order seeds, chit seed potatoes, plan crop rotation, clean trays/propagators.
Trees & shrubs
Prune apple/pear (dormant), remove dead/damaged stems, check ties/stakes after wind.
Wildlife
Keep feeders topped up, provide unfrozen water, bird boxes/hedgehog corners.
What’s in store this month
Logs/coals/Calor gas, rock salt & snow shovels
Seed potatoes + seed racks
Heater propagators, seed trays, compost (seed & cutting), vermiculite/grit
Frost protection (fleece, cloches), pot feet, bird seed/fat balls/feeder.
January garden FAQs
Can I mow my lawn in January?
Yes – but only when the ground is dry and not frozen. Keep the cut high (don’t scalp it) and avoid mowing if the lawn is waterlogged, frosty, or snowy.
What can I sow in January in the UK?
Most sowing starts indoors or under cover. If you’ve got a heated propagator or warm windowsill, you can start early crops like chillies, peppers and aubergines, plus some salad leaves/herbs under cover. Outdoors sowing is usually limited by weather, so it’s more about planning and prepping.
When should I start chitting seed potatoes?
January is a great time to start. Place seed potatoes rose-end up in a cool, bright, frost-free spot (like a porch or windowsill) to encourage short, sturdy sprouts.
Should I cut back ornamental grasses now?
Yes – late winter (Jan-Feb) is ideal. Cut them back before new shoots appear. Leave a small “stubble” (a few inches) to protect the crown and make regrowth easier.
How do I protect plants from frost and snow?
Move tender pots into shelter, wrap containers with fleece, and use cloches for vulnerable plants. After snowfall, gently brush snow off shrubs and conifers to prevent branches snapping. Also make sure pots aren’t sitting in water – pot feet help with drainage
Visit us today...
at our Bexleyheath or Barnehurst branches to stock up on winter essentials and get ready for spring – including seed potatoes, compost, frost protection, heated propagators and wild bird food.
