It's Time To Prep Your Garden For Spring In 5 Simple Steps

Look at it like this: it feels like only yesterday that a post-4pm sunset felt impossible in the UK. But now the evenings are slowly getting longer, and by February 5, the sun won’t go down ’til a frankly tropical 5pm.

So, while a glance at your currently bleak backyard might not inspire you to whip out the shears or think about sowing seeds, the demands of greener gardens will be upon us sooner than you might expect. 

Which is why James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers, said: “January gardening sets the tone for the year ahead... you’ll need plenty of layers of clothing to brace the cold, but it’s worth it when all those lovely bulbs and plants rear their heads come spring.

“Pruning, protecting plants, feeding the soil… It’ll all pay off when your spring garden feels fruitful and brand new.” 

Here are five jobs he thinks you should check off your list this month: 

1) Get pruning 

Pruning can get rid of unwanted or unsightly growth and can allow seeds and flowers to flourish.

“Fruit trees like apple and pear trees, berries, roses, and deciduous shrubs like dogwood and hydrangeas benefit from being pruned in January, promoting healthy, strong growth come spring,” Ewens said.

“Remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of pests and disease later in the year.” 

Just ensure the weather isn’t frosty or wet when you start chopping back, and ensure your tools are sharp.  

2) Mulch your soil 

Very early spring and even winter are great times to mulch your soil, as the ground is exposed for better absorption.

“Applying a thick layer of organic matter, like well-rotted compost or manure, shredded leaves or bark, in winter, allows nutrients to break down slowly – enriching the soil ahead of the growing season,” Ewens said. 

“Spread a thick layer [about 5-10cm] of organic matter over the soil, ensuring it isn’t [packed] down too compactly so airflow can still circulate. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and crowns to prevent rot and pests.”

3) Support wildlife 

Wildlife can struggle in spring, which is why your feeders and flora are especially important in the cold weather.

“Keeping feeders topped up with high-energy foods like suet balls and seeds can be a lifeline during cold spells, and replenishing water so it stays fresh and ice-free is essential for drinking and bathing,” said Ewens.

“Leaving remaining seedheads on plants and resisting the urge to over-tidy provides vital natural food and shelter. Simple piles of logs, leaves or branches offer safe refuge for hedgehogs and overwintering insects, helping protect the wildlife your garden relies on to flourish in spring.” 

4) Plant (yes, really) 

Though you might think January planting is impossible, Ewens told us, “it’s a great time for hardy, cold-tolerant plants to get a head start for spring”. 

So long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, he added, it’s actually a great time to get bare-root roses and bare-root fruit trees in the ground.

These “have a chance to establish strong root systems before spring growth begins – so long as they are protected from frost and harsh weather conditions”. 

5) Give some plants a winter coat 

Frost and wind can batter your garden, as anyone hit by Storm Goretti can attest. 

“While investing in a horticultural fleece is totally optional, they’re a great way to protect your beloved plants from frost. They wrap around your plants to protect them from the harsh weather,” Ewens advised. 

And if you can’t get your green-fingered hands on one of those, “you can actually use bedding – wrapping your plants in a breathable, unwanted cotton sheet will suffice, preventing that harsh frosty bite”.

“A lightweight fabric is all they need to insulate them from the cold, and protect their vulnerable roots,” he ended.