YOUR GARDENING YEAR
What to do in the garden in January
The key January jobs for your veg patch, fruit, lawns, borders and greenhouse — tick them off or print a sheet to take outside.
One page, ready to take outside
A few timely jobs to help your garden thrive through the season.
Veg Patch
Fruit & Pruning
Lawns & Borders
Greenhouse
Gardening events in January
- RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Late JanuarySpend an hour counting the birds in your garden for the RSPB.
- Seed swaps Late Jan – MarchLocal "Seedy Saturday" swaps to share seeds with fellow growers.
Dates change each year — please check with the organiser before you travel.
January in the garden
A month-by-month guide from The Gardener’s GreenhouseVeg Patch
Plan crop rotation for the year ahead.
Order seeds early to ensure availability.
Fruit & Pruning
Winter-prune apple and pear trees (not stone fruit).
Apply a thick mulch of organic matter around soft fruit.
Lawns & Borders
Avoid walking on lawns when frozen or waterlogged.
Leave dried flower heads on hydrangeas to protect buds.
Greenhouse
Clean glass panes to maximize low winter light.
Check heaters and insulation for efficiency.
Notes:
Tick each box as you go — and take things at your own pace.
Little jobs. Lovely rewards.
Follow local frost forecasts; northern gardens often start spring jobs later. Avoid frozen or waterlogged soil and take regular breaks.
Got a question about January jobs? Ask in the forum.