January/February  

General 
The weather can be worse in January than in December, so beware.  There is a little more day light as the days get longer.  By February the difference can be seen in the garden as the Spring flowers start to emerge.  All of the winter jobs should now be completed, so you can look forward to the Spring.  Make sure all of the Winter pruning is done and take time to sort out your garden shed and tools.       

Lawns
Keep off the grass if at all possible.  However, should February be dry you may be able to give the lawn a very light trim.  Scatter worm casts and deal with any moss invasion that may have appeared during the damp weather.              

Roses/Trees/Shrubs and Climbers
Prune roses and finish planting if the soil allows.  Ensure the ground is clear beneath roses, burning any diseased foliage.  Prune buddleia, cornus and clematis.  Cut late flowering clematis down right down to a couple of healthy buds.  Try and protect camellia flowers from frost. 

Bulbs
Spring flowering bulbs will start to appear in February.  If you have some empty corners in the garden, pots of bulbs will be available for you to purchase very soon.  Buy Snowdrops in the "green" for instant impact.

Tubers and Corms
Check stored tubers, plunging them into a bucket of slightly warmed water overnight if they have shrivelled up.  Cut out any damaged or rotted parts and dust with flowers of sulphur.  Place your order for new gladioli corms.

Herbaceous Plants 
Clear last years old growth and lift and divide any congested plants if the soil is workable. Top dress established borders.   

Vegetables
Brassicas should still be giving a good supply.  Make plans for this years vegetable garden now.  Seed potatoes will soon be available.  Chit these in trays or boxes, in a light, frost free place.  This will encourage growth.  If the ground is dry enough broad beans and shallots can be planted.  To encourage the soil to warm up ready for planting in March, cover with a cloche or fleece.  Harvest vegetables such as, broccoli. cabbages and parsnips that may still be in the ground. 

Greenhouse
Ventilate on warmer days and clean the glass thoroughly.  If you have a heated greenhouse, why not sow onions, tomatoes and chillies. Regularly examine any plants that have been over-wintered for disease or damage.

Ponds
Continue with pond protection as in December.  Do not break any ice as this may cause injury or stress to the fish.  Mixing the ice with the water is not good practice as this will reduce the temperature and the insulating effect will be lost.  February is a good time to plan and prepare for a new pond.  This will allow time for the chemicals in the tap water to disperse and for plants to become established. 

   We are happy to help with your garden enquiries