Pat’s Jobs for January 2025

1. Prune Wisteria this month and next by taking all side shoots back to 2 or 3 buds. Very old plants may need severe pruning to show off the flowers.

2. Start pruning roses in earnest although some are still unbelievably flowering. Remove any foliage with blackspot and don’t compost. Old roses respond well to hard pruning so don’t be afraid, removing all dead and dying wood and cutting stems back to above a bud.

3. I had to remove dead Clematis shoots from a Daphne Jacqueline Postill and in doing so pulled off some of the flowers so take care and do it soon if you can. But leave the main prune until next month.

4. Remove old foliage from Hellebores to show off the buds and blooms which should open soon. If diseased, don’t add to the compost.

5. This is a good time to prune deciduous trees while they are dormant and you can see the shape of the tree without the foliage. 

6. Don’t forget to water containers if the weather is dry including your tulips and daffs as they can dry out very quickly. 

7. In the veg garden, remove any spent crops and cover the ground with any cardboard or something else to prevent weeds germinating.

8. Force rhubarb plants for an early succulent crop by covering with a forcing pot or other upturned pot. 

9. Clean your greenhouse or shed and pots and tools ready for the coming season.

10. Ensure ponds and bird baths don’t freeze by floating a ball on them.

And if on the other hand it’s just too blooming cold, stay indoors until next month and read your seed catalogues in a comfy armchair.  Happy gardening all! 

Pat K