Monthly easy-care jobs

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 from paths to prevent slips. It is also the perfect time to mulch borders with compost, which suppresses weeds and nourishes the soil for spring. Finally, enjoy the quiet by planning new low-maintenance additions for the coming season.

This page will be updated throughout the month, so please do regularly return.

Happy New Year everyone. Remember, if you like what you see here each month, then please support all the hard work by signing up to the Newsletter. In return you will get all the latest gardening news and advice and access to The Easy-care Garden Facebook Community Group.

Unlock Your Newsletter!

Discover effortless gardening secrets. Get expert articles, time-saving tips, the best plant advice, special offers and author book updates delivered directly to your inbox on the second Tuesday of every month. Signing up also gives you exclusive access to The Easy-care Garden Community Facebook group.

Join the community

Join thousands of happy gardeners today. We respect your privacy.

Give empty raised beds a boost

Give empty raised beds a boost for spring

January offers a unique window of opportunity to prepare for the frantic growth of spring. One of the most physically ...
Growing seeds from shop bought tomatoes

The tomato lottery

January might not seem like the conventional time to think about tomatoes, but for those with an adventurous spirit and ...
Winter tool care

Winter tool care

Midwinter often brings a halt to outdoor cultivation. The soil is too saturated or frozen to work. Yet this dormant ...
Pole feeding birds

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 ...
How to grow your Christmas Amaryllis bulbs

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 ...
Cutting back autumn-fruiting raspberries

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 ...
Keeping your Christmas Poinsettia going

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 ...
Planting tulips in January

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, ...
Turn your Christmas wrap and cardboard into compost

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 ...