The tomato lottery
January might not seem like the conventional time to think about tomatoes, but for those with an adventurous spirit and a desire for a fun gardening experiment, now is a fantastic time to delve into the world of seed saving….
Reviving Your Secateurs
The February quiet period is the best time for a specialised bit of maintenance: reviving your secateurs. They are the most frequently used tool in any gardener’s arsenal, yet they are often the most neglected. After a year of pruning…
Looking after our feathered friends this January
As January arrives and the winter chill deepens, the natural larders of the countryside begin to run dry. For our garden birds, this month represents a critical period of survival, where finding enough sustenance to endure the long, freezing nights…
How to grow your Christmas Amaryllis presents
The majestic Amaryllis, technically known as Hippeastrum, is a botanical marvel that brings a sense of grandeur to the home during the transition from the festive season into the new year. These oversized bulbs are incredibly rewarding to grow, offering…
Cut back autumn-fruiting raspberries
As the calendar turns to January, the garden settles into its mid-winter slumber. This quiet season presents the perfect opportunity for one of the most satisfying and straightforward fruit garden tasks: pruning autumn-fruiting raspberries. Unlike their summer-fruiting cousins, which require…
Keeping your Christmas Poinsettia going
Each year, hundreds of thousands of poinsettias brighten our homes as festive gifts, bringing a bold splash of red to winter. Many people see them as short-lived holiday decorations, but these plants are actually quite tough. With the right care,…
Why it’s still worth planting your tulips
We’ve all been there. You bought a stunning variety of tulip bulbs with the best of intentions back in October, but life got in the way. Now, the ground is colder, the days are shorter, and those bulbs are still…
Turn your Christmas wrap and cardboard into compost
The aftermath of the festive season often leaves households grappling with an overwhelming amount of waste, particularly in the form of wrapping paper and various types of cardboard packaging. While it may feel like a disposable headache, this seasonal surplus…
What to do in January
January is a month for light maintenance and preparation in an easy-care garden. Since most plants are dormant, focus on structural pruning of deciduous shrubs and fruit trees to maintain their shape. Clear away any remaining fallen leaves or debris…