Janvier

What to do in the garden in January?

ASPRES GRASSE NURSERY 2024 ALPES MARITIMES GARDEN CENTER

January is usually the coldest month on the Côte d'Azur with temperatures close to zero to 13°C. The sunshine is present but reduced by short days. Rainfall is rare. Which makes this month a relatively pleasant month but to be closely monitored in terms of temperatures! In January the vegetation is at rest, a necessary period to better start again in spring! Take advantage of this break to think about the layout of your garden, by redesigning it for example. Here are our gardening tips for the month of January!

In January, the garden seems asleep under the cold of winter, but the gardener can remain active. This month is essential to prepare the garden for the seasons to come. Indeed, January is the ideal time to maintain the soil, protect the plants, plan the seedlings and prepare the first plants indoors. Although there is little work outdoors, the maintenance and preparation tasks are numerous.

Protecting plants from the cold
In the middle of winter, protecting plants from frost is crucial, especially in regions where temperatures regularly drop below zero. It is important to check the protections put in place in December, such as wintering fleeces or mulches around the roots. These fleeces are often exposed to wind or humidity, and it is useful to reposition them if necessary to ensure that the plants remain well protected. For potted shrubs, it is recommended to group them against a wall or bring them into a cold greenhouse if possible, in order to reduce the impact of frost.


Taking care of the soil
Even if the soil is at rest, January is the ideal time to continue enriching and structuring the soil. In vegetable gardens, gardeners can add compost or well-rotted manure which will gradually mix with the soil and enrich the plots for spring planting. For plots left fallow, mulching remains important to prevent the soil from being leached by rain and frost. By adding a layer of straw, dead leaves or compost, the soil is protected while providing it with nutrients.


Pruning fruit trees
January is a good time to prune some fruit trees, such as apples, pears, and some small fruit shrubs. Winter pruning helps structure trees, remove dead wood, and promote fruiting for the coming season. It should be done outside of freezing periods, as cuts are potential entry points for diseases. This work also helps control the size of trees, promoting better sunlight and good aeration of the branches, which is essential for a healthy harvest.


Planning your sowing and starting the first plants
January is also a great month to plan and organize future vegetable garden crops. Gardeners can start to establish their sowing calendar, think about crop rotation and order seeds. It is also a good time to start the first indoor seedlings, especially vegetables that require a long growing period such as tomatoes, peppers and some varieties of chilli peppers. All you need is a mini greenhouse or a few pots placed near a light source, ideally under a grow light to simulate sunlight, which is limited in winter.


Maintain and sharpen tools
In January, there is little direct work in the garden, which leaves time for tool maintenance. This is the time to sharpen the blades of secateurs, shears and hoes, but also to grease the tools to protect them from rust. Good maintenance in winter allows tools to be in excellent condition for spring, which makes future work easier and extends the life of the equipment.


Observe and anticipate
Finally, the gardener can take advantage of the calm of January to observe his garden, think about the arrangements he wants to make and anticipate the following season. It is also a time to dream and imagine the crops or flowers that will be planted as soon as spring returns. By taking notes, drawing plans or drawing inspiration from readings on gardening, the gardener prepares for a season full of new possibilities.


January is a month when the gardener prepares the ground, even if the garden is dormant. The care given to plants, soil and tools at this time will bear fruit in the months to come. It is a time to anticipate, organize and take care of the garden in a discreet but essential way, in order to welcome spring in the best conditions.



ASPRES GRASSE NURSERY 2024 ALPES MARITIMES GARDEN CENTER

FOR THE VEGETABLE GARDEN


ASPRES GRASSE NURSERY 2024 ALPES MARITIMES GARDEN CENTER

FOR POTTED PLANTS / ORNAMENTAL GARDEN


ASPRES GRASSE NURSERY 2024 ALPES MARITIMES GARDEN CENTER


ASPRES GRASSE NURSERY 2024 ALPES MARITIMES GARDEN CENTER

FOR POND AND LAWN


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