Despite the chilly conditions that are set to continue throughout the month, there will still be plenty of tasks to keep a gardener busy in January.
Beds will need to be prepared and digging the soil is essential for good plant growth all year round. If the ground is not frozen, it may not be too late to perform this task, as any vacant plots that have not been dug over will need to be seen to.
MowDIRECT offers a wide range of cultivators and tillers that could help with this job, which could be well suited for those with larger areas of land.
There are also options more appropriate for handling smaller patches such as those around borders and in kitchen gardens. For instance the Al-Ko MH-350-LM Petrol Cultivator is available for £299.
After a wet festive season, sodden leaves may be found all over a lawn, which can smother the grass and cause long-term damage if this issue is not addressed – undesirable wildlife such as slugs and snails could be harboured among this debris.
Leaf vacuums and blowers will resolve the problem, depending on what the individual intends to do with the waste. It could be used with other leftovers from the garden to create valuable mulch. Some relevant products can be found in the MowDIRECT clearance sale.
This can also aid with bed preparation and can protect plant life from erosion and soil compaction. If this has not already been done in any areas, certain models of chipper-shredders can recycle various debris into this substance, which is ideally suited for laying down and covering plants for protection.
Household items may be able to contribute to this activity at this time of year, as the Christmas tree could be shredded if it will not be used again.
January is also the ideal opportunity to collect hardwood cuttings. As it is the end of the growing season, secateurs can be used to cut above a pair of buds, while also trimming any large leaves from stems.
This needs to be done before the current season’s growths are fully ripened, but if this task is successfully completed, a vigorous new plant can be grown.
Regular pruning still needs to be attended to at this time of year, particularly for shrubs and trees. Not only will this improve the shape of a plant, it can also encourage further growth of flowers and fruits.
Deciduous trees are in particular need of this kind of attention in January, as they remain dormant and will bleed sap if the job is left too late.
Major surgery may be required for larger varieties. For individuals in this position, browsing MowDIRECT’s range of petrol and electrical chainsaws may be recommended.
People with climbers or wall shrubs to take care of could consider investing in tree pruners. These products allow a potentially dangerous activity to be undertaken from the relative security of the ground.
Tool maintenance also remains an important consideration, as this can prevent the spreading of diseases among plants if diseased wood is cut.
