Here’s a practical gardening schedule for January tailored for the West Midlands area. This month is typically cold, with shorter daylight hours and occasional frosts and snow. Gardening during winter fo- cuses on preparation, care for hardy plants, and plan- ning for spring. January Gardening Tasks General Maintenance: Inspect Trees and Shrubs: Look for any damage caused by snow or frost and prune dead or damaged branches. Clean Greenhouses: If you have a greenhouse, give it a thorough clean to prevent diseases. Check that all glass is intact and repair any cracks. Maintain Cold Frames: Ensure cold frames and cloches are intact. Ventilate them on mild days to prevent overheating. Protect Tender Plants: Continue to protect tender plants from frost by using fleece or moving them to sheltered spots. Lawn Care: Avoid Walking on Frosted Grass: If there is frost or snow, avoid walking on the lawn to prevent damaging the grass. Mow if Necessary: If the grass grows and the weather allows, mow it at a high setting (avoiding too low a cut to protect the grass). Planting: Plant Bare-Root Fruit Trees and Roses: As the soil begins to thaw, January is a great time for planting bare-root trees, including fruit trees (apple, pear, plum) and rose bushes. Start Sowing Seeds: Begin sowing seeds of hardy plants such as sweet peas, broad beans, and early salad crops indoors or in greenhouses. Plant Rhubarb Crowns: If the ground isn't frozen, it's a good time to plant rhubarb crowns for an early crop in the spring. Prepare for Spring: Order seeds for spring planting. Consider what flowers, vegetables, and herbs you want to grow for the new season. Wildlife Care: Feed the Birds: Continue providing food for birds, especially during cold spells. Offer high-energy foods like seeds, peanuts, and suet. Create a Winter Habitat: If you have a compost heap or piles of leaves, leave them undisturbed to provide shelter for small wild- life, such as hedgehogs. Additional Tips: Plan Your Spring Garden: Use this quieter time to plan your spring garden layout. Consider crop rotation if you grow vegetables and herbs. Check for Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or slugs, which can be active even in winter. This schedule should help keep your West Midlands garden well- maintained and prepare it for a flourishing spring! Now that should keep you out of mischief untill Mother Nature wakes up gives you lots to do! OR you could always dream of the perfect garden you will have THIS YEAR! Happy New Year!