© Copyright Harleston Grapevine 2008

January in the Garden

In recent years January has been exceptionally mild, and by now we are getting used to this. However it is quite likely that sooner or later the month will revert to type, and we will experience a winter period of sustained cold weather.  As far as the garden is concerned this could be beneficial as the slow build up of the less resilient garden pests might be checked.

January is a good month to protect fruit trees from pests which cause serious damage to fruit later in the summer. Before applying pest control measures it is advisable to have completed pruning. Grease bands fitted round the tree trunk will eliminate codling moth larvae which affect apples in particular, and spraying with an organic winter wash should reduce unsightly fungal blemishes on mature fruit of all types. Spraying should be carried out on a reasonably still mild day when immediate rain is not forecast. It is especially recommended to protect your apple trees if fruit was damaged during 2008.

New Year’s Day is the traditional time to prune vine hardwood, while the plant is fully dormant. Identify long framework rods, and prune side growth on these rods last season back to two buds. Selected hardwood prunings can be trimmed and used as cuttings inserted in sandy compost and then laid out in a cold frame. Rooting is normally fairly reliable, success being judged when new leaf buds develop in April.

In the flower garden the old leaves of Hellebores should be removed, which will highlight the flowers as they grow towards flowering in February. Root cuttings of tap rooted perennials, for example Eryngiums, can be taken this month, inserted in sharp sand containing a small addition of JI2 compost.

Seeds and seed potatoes are now in the shops for sowing during the next two months, so ensure the soil is well prepared for them. Harvesting of remaining winter crops should be completed by the end of the month to make way for digging and preparation for later spring sowings.

The next meeting of Harleston Garden Club will be Tuesday 13th January at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall in London Road, when Graeme Proctor of Crown Nursery, Ufford will give a talk entitled ‘All you wanted to know about fruit trees’ Visitors are always welcome, and further details can be obtained from Janet Carstairs on 853413.

            Harleston Garden Club