January garden calendar

Planning, design and construction

Want to enjoy a completely renovated garden next year? Now is the time to make plans. Our online drawing tool makes it simple to digitally design your own dream garden. If you have some plans worked out, also contact a landscaper right away, because in the spring everyone will be calling to make an appointment.
Create a planting plan by using our PlantEncyclopedia. It is possible to order the plants directly.
Want to put a greenhouse in your garden this year? January is the perfect time to install a greenhouse, just before the new seeding season begins.
Install a MicroDrip system from Gardena. That way, you no longer have to worry about watering your garden.
The days are short, at night we light the candles again. Have you thought about a fire pit or fire basket for the garden? Very atmospheric!

Think your patio is boring and bare? Fill pots or baskets with winter flowers, such as Winter Violets or Mountain Tea. This way, you instantly add atmosphere and color to your garden.
There are more tips for bringing color into your winter garden? Read our blog for more inspiration.

Is it freezing? Then put potted plants inside or in a sheltered spot together.
Remove dead branches and old fruit. This will prevent diseases and fungi.
Protect and brace frost-prone plants and vulnerable young trees from the cold by installing a canvas.
Check that your fence, patio, shed or gazebo are still in good condition.
If you haven't done it in October or November, get your garden tools in order now. Make repairs and oil all your tools as needed.
One chore not to forget before it freezes: tap and shut off the water supply to prevent frost damage.
Keep paths clear of snow. To do this, use sand rather than salt. This is a more environmentally friendly solution.

Spread compost throughout your border.
Even at this time of year, potted plants need water.
Shake snow off plantings. This prevents holes from falling in boxwood, for example, or branches from sagging and being damaged.
If root clods come up, try pounding them back into the ground. This still sometimes wants to happen due to frost.

January is a good pruning period for shrubs and fruit trees. Unsure about the pruning period? Then check out our Plant Encyclopedia. Some species can only be pruned when it is no longer freezing.
Plants that have strong growth such as Ivy, Climbing Hydrangea, Wisteria and other climbing plants can be pruned now.
Pruning and garden waste can always be reused. Cut straight branches to the right length and save them to use as support wood. Discard branches from the previous year. Fine garden waste can be used as compost.

When it is freezing or snowing, it is better not to walk on the grass. By the way, this also applies when the ground is very wet. The pressure of your feet makes it less permeable to water!
Once the frost period is over, remove fallen leaves. Work the lawn with a pricking roller. This way you can optimize air and water flow.

Have you been removing emerging weeds all the time lately? At this time of year, not many weeds will come up. Remove the bits of weeds you see coming up right away.

Care for birds in the garden by filling a large bowl with water.
It is obviously important that the pond not freeze completely, nor should the surface freeze completely.
During long, cold periods, make sure to keep a "wak" in the ice, otherwise CO2 (formed by the fish and plants) cannot escape from the water and oxygen concentration becomes too low. Therefore, put a bunch of reeds or straw upright in the water. Even if the surface freezes over completely, gases can still escape through the reeds.
Sweep snow off the ice. Otherwise, not enough light will fall into the water.
With an air pump in the water, you improve water quality.

Make a sowing and planting schedule in advance for spring.
You can germinate the seeds of sprouting vegetables indoors: do so in a container on the windowsill or under glass.
Also in the vegetable garden, remove weeds and turn over the soil when the frost is over. Cover the soil with special foil. This ensures good soil structure and keeps the soil warmer and drier.

Think of the birds and set up a drinking bowl for them.
Leave a pile of leaves for animals to hide and scavenge in.
Squirrels, birds and hedgehogs can use a hand from us in severe frosts and snow. Sprinkle some peanuts, seeds, kernels, almonds or walnuts for them.
Clean the birds' feeding area from time to time. This will prevent the spread of disease.
Prefer not to hang fat balls in a plastic net. These are not durable and birds can get tangled in them.
You can, however, hang a cabinet as a shelter for animals.

Want to see other months' garden calendar returns? Then check out the garden calendar year overview.