Even those with growing green thumbs can be forgiven for assuming that they can sit out January.

Especially if they live somewhere cold, wet and snowy. Indeed, there will be many readers out there right now looking out over a blanket of frost where their garden used to be. Nonetheless, the perfect garden waits for nobody and even though the weather may be cold and forbidding there’s plenty to be getting on with for a garden that will truly burst into life when spring rolls around.

For most seasoned gardeners, January is all about prep. Over the coming weeks you’ll lay the groundwork that will reap spectacular results in the warmer, sunnier months.

Task #1: Protect your lawn

Is your lawn heavily frosted over? Then it is currently in a very vulnerable state. If it is walked on by kids, animals and adults it can become vulnerable to patchy and erratic growth in the spring. If you want the thaw to reveal a lush, verdant and even lawn, now’s the time to cordon your lawn off from kids, pets and visiting animals.

Task #2: Cover your concrete

Your concrete takes quite a pounding in the winter months. The cycles of freezing and thawing, heavy rains, and salty treatments can all take a toll on our concrete driveways, walkways and paths. If you haven’t treated your concrete there’s still plenty of time. Use a solution like Seal With Ease to protect your concrete from the rigors of the elements. Damaged concrete creates a safety hazard. And there’s nothing more likely to ruin your garden’s finely honed aesthetic than cracked or damaged concrete.

Task #3: Prepare your veggies and fruits

If you grow fruits and vegetables, now is the perfect time to start laying the foundations which will see you produce fantastic yields all year round. If you have fruit trees, now’s the time to take your pruning shears and really go to town. Prune back any dead or damaged buds and branches and you can be sure to get a higher yield later in the year.  

If you grow veggies, now’s the perfect time to dig up your growing space (if the weather will allow) to make sure you get nicely aerated soil. Dig up your soil in large chunks which will be broken down by the weather during the coming months. Now might also be a good time to plan out how you will plot and rotate your crops. If you’re looking for something to start growing right now, consider early peas or hardy crops like broad beans.  

Task #4: Start making friends with local birds

The birds in your area are likely to be struggling for food in the colder months. You can make friends with them! Set out a bird table for them complete with fat balls, nuts and fresh water. Birds are pretty and welcome guests in your garden all year round. And they’ll eat pests that could ruin your garden and your fruits and veggies.

Even in January, there’s plenty for the dedicated gardener to be getting on with.