Jobs for January

  The early months of the year can be rather bleak at the allotment. Little is growing, the days are still short and everybody is hankering for a little sunshine. But, there are still jobs to be done in order for success. What do I need to do?

• If you haven’t already done so clean out all trays, tools and greenhouse or cold frames. Use hot soapy water to kill off any pests or diseases that may have over wintered.
• Again, if you missed out in autumn because of the very wet weather we had try and dig now if your soil isn’t too wet or frozen. Allow the clods to break up naturally but after a few weeks rake through to thin the soil for seed beds. The soil can be covered at this stage to warm it, but weeds will be on their way so get ready for hoeing!
• Check through all your seeds: make sure they are in date and still viable, that there are no signs the packet has become wet or damp and to check your sowing at the right time. Drawing up a timetable can help ease the burden when February and March come along and you feel like you possibly can’t sow anymore!
• Dig where Peas and Beans are to be sown incorporating a well-rotted manure or compost. Sow rounded Peas in the open.
• Prepare celery trenches if the soil is not too wet or cloggy.
• Force you Chicory or Seakale every two weeks
• If you have any remaining Jerusalem artichokes now is the time to lift them. They can be stored in trays covered with compost, but if you do not eat them all and thus pick them all you will still need to reduce the tubers. Jerusalem artichokes are rather rampant and unless you have space, removal of some tubers is recommended.
• Begin chitting up your seed Potatoes in your shed.Make sure the shed is warm enough though as due to the recent frosts you may want to cover the see potatoes or store them in a slightly warmer spot to make sure they are protected to succeed later on.
• Order Asparagus crowns.
• Sow Chervil in the greenhouse.
• If you want early cropping carrots start placing your cloches over the soil now. This will warm the soil in time for planting. Equally the cloches can be used for your Lettuces or Radishes.
• Now is a good time to start planting various fruit trees and bushes such as berries, currants, plums and pears. Just make sure the soil is not too wet or frozen.
• Apply fertilisers or a mulch around your fruit bushes and trees.
• Rhubarb is best planted in early spring, so if you haven’t got any start preparing a bed. For those with Rhubarb start forcing by placing a bucket, or rhubarb forcer over the crown.
• Cut down can of Autumn fruiting raspberries so that new ones can bear fruit the upcoming autumn.
• Prune outdoor grape vines and top dress any that may be in the greenhouse.
• Protection is key for many fruit bushes and trees in January. For Peaches, nectarines and apricots erect a covering over the top of them to prevent heavy rain causing damage. Use fleece or netting to protect trees from frost.