With frosty weather and freezing temperatures, it might not seem like the best time for getting out in the garden. However, January can actually be a great opportunity for some green-fingered tasks to kickstart the year. As most plants are dormant and resting during the cold and harsh weather of winter, January can be a great time for pruning.
When plants are dormant, it can be an ideal time to prune certain species without causing them stress. Gardening expert James Ewens from Green Feathers offers his top tips on pruning your garden this January.
First, you want to make sure that you are pruning the right types of trees and brushes to avoid harming your garden. Here are the different types of plants you can prune during the winter:
Fruit trees and bushes
You can prune apple and pear trees and currant and gooseberry bushes. Prune these to remove any dead, diseased or unproductive branches to create an open structure that encourages air circulation.
Roses and climbing plants
You can also prune climbing roses and bush roses. Prune back their summer growth to 2 to 3 buds on the main stem to control their size and encourage flowering in the Spring. For bush roses, remove any dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant if you think it’s necessary.
Deciduous trees and shrubs
In January you can also lightly prune any ornamental trees in your garden to remove any damaged or crossing branches. For the garden shrubs, cut back winter stems to promote new growth for the rest of the year.
Hedges
January can also be a great time to trim overgrown hedges. Deciduous hedges, such as beech and hawthorn, can be trimmed and shaped – but be very careful to not disturb any nesting birds or other wildlife.
“Now that you know which plants you can and can’t prune this month, here are some top tips on how to get started”
Tips for winter pruning
Use clean and sharp tools
Dirty tools can carry bacteria, fungi, or infections from previous plants to others, so ensure they are clean before using them again. Using sharper tools will also make clean cuts and reduce wound stress to promote faster healing.
Check for frost
Avoid pruning during frosty periods, as cuts can be more vulnerable to frost damage and will slow down a plant’s ability to heal.
Keep an eye out for wildlife
Be mindful of wildlife when pruning, as many birds and mammals nest in small trees, shrubs and hedges, particularly in denser foliage. Secondly, ensure to keep as many berries, seeds, and flowers on the plant as possible, as these are vital food sources for non hibernating animals in the winter months.
Add mulch post-pruning
Add nutrient rich mulch to the plant post-pruning to allow for it to recover. Spread the mulch around the base of the plant in a 2 to 4 inch layer, but avoid piling it against the trunk or stems to prevent them from rotting. Make sure to refresh the mulch from time to time, especially after heavy rain.
Get rid of debris
Lastly, get rid of any debris. You can burn or compost the pruned material, but destroy any diseased or rotten wood to prevent it from spreading pathogens and other harmful pests to other nearby plants.
“By focusing on the right plants and using proper techniques, pruning in January can help prepare your garden for a healthy, productive spring.”