Jan 10th,2023
January is a difficult time for many people. The joy of Christmas seemed so long ago, the excitement of the New Year quickly dimmed, the days are still short and the weather, often the worst time of year, has us spending more time indoors than ever before. many. No wonder this feeling is called the January blues.
The best thing to do is to look forward. It's a new year, and spring is upon us (if you look closely, you'll see signs of it!). Your garden may seem unwelcoming, but on mild days, you still have the opportunity to get outside, fill your lungs with fresh air, and get it on track for the new season.
But what to do? Here's what you can do outside (or think about!) and beat the January blues.
1.It’s all in the planning
Even though it’s dark outside with heavy frost, there’s nothing better than imagining what you’ll be doing in your garden when the weather warms up. Now is a great time to browse the web for ideas on how you can get the most out of your garden in the year ahead. Are you considering a major renovation, installing a deck, or replacing your muddy lawn with a patch of artificial grass so you can have lush grass year round?
If your ideas are smaller, you can start thinking about what plants you want to grow this year. Do your research(Gardener’s World have a great search tool here) and consider where they would go. If you love growing plants from seeds, you can start ordering seeds now.
When choosing, consider the color scheme, flowering time, the soil that suits you, and where you want the plant to grow. You may also want to pick plants that don't require much care if you want to minimize the work required.
So start making your plans, talk to a local landscaper for a quote on your new deck, and measure your lawn to install your new artificial turf—you'll be glad you got a head start in March!
2.Sort out your storage for spring
January is also a great time to check out tools in the shed or garage. Spades, forks, sheers and similar last a long time but not forever. They might just need a little TLC, or it might be time to replace them.
If your lawn area is natural grass, then your lawn mower definitely needs servicing. They get a lot of use during the growing season and always benefit from annual service. Of course, if you choose your artificial lawn wisely enough, lawn mowers will be a thing of the past.
3.Harvest the last of your veg
If you have a vegetable patch or greenhouse, you probably still have produce to harvest. There are plenty of vegetables in full bloom in January that can help inspire some more exciting meals, such as:
·Brussels sprouts
·Leeks
·Turnips
·Sprouting broccoli
·Swedes
·Parsnips
·Jerusalem artichoke
Boiled, steamed, roasted, or served in a casserole, there's nothing better than vegetables fresh from the garden. Not only do they taste good, but they are also healthy.
4.Bring gardening inside
You don't have to have a heated greenhouse to give some flowering plants a head start. Windowsills and greenhouses are great places to let things grow, and they can be planted when the weather turns nice. If you don't want to do much gardening, look for plants that will thrive in pots.
5.Don’t forget the birds
January is a tough time for wildlife, and you can really make a difference by feeding your birds regularly. They reward you by adding life and color to your garden. The more variety of food you provide, the more species your garden will attract.
Don't forget the water. Water is as important as food, and making sure our feathered friends always have (unfrozen) water available can make a huge difference. Remember, the Gardens are the largest nature reserve in the UK.
6.Gardens are 3D
While most plants are at their lowest point, it's literally time to think ahead. Many plants need support if they are to achieve their full glory and wow factor. January is a great time to place obelisks, trellises, arches, and other plant supports, or even a pergola or rose arbor if it fits into your garden plans.
There is a huge variety on the market to suit every style and budget. Well-chosen plant supports not only help plants grow, but also bring visual interest to the garden, even on the coldest of days.
7.Cleanliness is next to godliness
Spring comes a little early, but the first month or two of the year is the perfect time to remove all the dirt and grime that has built up on your hardscape. Trash not only looks ugly, but can be dangerous. Algae and dead leaves can make pavements and floors as slippery as an ice rink, even as it warms outside.
You have three options:
·Sweep or use a shovel to remove debris. Then use soap and water, a stiff brush and a generous amount of elbow grease to remove light stains or for paving that may be brittle.
·Remove debris with a broom or shovel, followed by a white vinegar solution and a stiff brush. This favors heavier dirt buildup and is environmentally friendly. However, the vinegar solution can damage some pots and many plants, so be sure to move them to a safe area before you begin.
·A pressure washer can remove just about anything, and it's faster and less laborious than the previous two methods.
If you're not interested in doing it yourself, hire someone to do it for you. While you're at it, check the joints between the paving slabs and the general condition of the paving. Now is the time to repair any wear and tear.
8.Check the condition of your garden furniture
This time of year is also the perfect time to give your garden furniture an inspection. It's easy to put it away and forget that two of the chairs need replacing and just remember when you want to use them on the first warm day of spring.
If you're entertaining, nice and comfortable garden furniture is just as important as patios and flowers. Modern outdoor furniture is mostly immune to UK weather conditions, but nothing lasts forever. Check your chairs and tables for wear and damage and repair or replace if necessary.
If you have teak furniture, a good scrub and coat of teak oil will extend their life and make them look nice again.
9.Remove leaf debris
This time of year is a common time when you can see all those beautiful orange leaves that covered your garden in fall outside and are now turning brown. If you want to enjoy your garden early, grab a broom, rake and a pair of gloves and start clearing them. Keep an eye on paths and any flower beds where bulbs are planted for spring. Be gentle - many of these spring flowers will start blooming in late December or early January Optimistic minds. Seeing early signs of daffodils or snowdrops is sure to cheer you up! (Again, if you don't want to do it yourself, you're sure to find someone locally who will.)
10.Don’t forget to stop and enjoy
You might not be excited to look outside on a dreary day with heavy rain, but on a cold day, when you've just finished feeding the birds, or you can see the beginning of spring among the bushes in your garden, you can. Start feeling more optimistic. Be sure to plan ahead and figure out what your garden will look like in the summer and possibly years to come, but don't neglect to enjoy the peace and beauty of the moment.
January isn't the busiest time in the garden and it certainly won't look its best, but there's plenty to see and do. The first month of the year comes to an end when you make plans for the season ahead, get your chores done, and maybe even sit back and enjoy your January garden. From January to February, the weather begins to improve, the birds begin to sing, and the flowers begin to appear. Soon spring will be full of energy and all your planning and work will be worth it.
If you want to see your lawn green and manicured year-round, consider investing in artificial turf. You'll be amazed at how realistic they look and how much they cheer up the darker months. To learn more about why you should choose artificial turf, please feel free to contact us.
