Today was the first in, I dont know when, that it hasnt rained, so I thought it a good omen for the year and took this window of opportunity (before the inevitable return of the monsoons) to visit the plot (first time in many weeks), plant a last lot of garlic (hopefully not too late), dig up the very last of the beets, weed and cover-up 2 large beds. Rhubarb seems to have disappeared completely - hopefully merely hibernating. Plan for January is simply to tidy up, improve paths etc. Would be interested to know if there's any "must do" preparation that others would suggest.
Many thanks for all the comments.
Look through your seed packets and make a list of the few essentials that you need - place an order or buy locally.
I'm keeping off the ground for now in the hope that it'll dry out a little.
Bean trench dug and filled with compost? I must get mine finished and ready when I can.
At this time of year, as long as your plot is cleared and ready, it's a case of waiting.
I do intend sowing some leek seeds into deep trays sometime in January.
Sow some seeds indoors if you haven't already - onions, chillies, peas, broadies for starters.
We are painting and replacing boards on our raised beds, plus, if it ever stops raining, painting the shed and tidying up, seems to fill ray's time :toothy10:
Next week I have to move my shed (or rather the contents from one shed to another) - not looking forwatrd to that at all. But a clearout is a good idea.
I am still digging over a few areas as the chance presents itself, and there are also the raspberries to prune, and I will also dig out a few that are in an inconvenient place. Pruning perhaps? Manuring is also a winter job.
When Ive got the chance to get there this month Ill be sorting out the raspberries too, and sowing shallots and garlic in the greenhouse. Also plan on a bean trench, moving the brassica cage, putting up a new greenhouse, tidying the sheds etc etc
For me January is a non gardening month. I need sunshine. :sunny: I might do a little digging in the garden this week. Might buy a bag of decent seed compost and buy a packet of Earlybird sweetcorn so I can loose it before I need to sow. No access to lottie until Feb so I'm off snorkelling instead. :sunny: :sunny:
I need to get my planting plan onto an Excel spreadsheet and my seed sowing as well. I am beginning to forget what swent in which bit of plot when. The first four years were easy but now I am back to the beginning. I have seeds I forgot to sow last year so I need to get my sowing dates sorted.
Garden Organic have a potato day 26/27 Jan, so must sort out some seeds for swapping.
Oh..its totally non gardening month for me too...more like 'pull the plug' month.. :BangHead: Its WET!
I could tinker about in GH's but that can wait another couple of weeks yet...plenty of time.
Instead I'm doing few bits indoors...nothing is nicer than little bit of green nibbles from windowsill... :icon_cheers:
I'm going to sow some peas....just to get rid of some older seeds and then harvest the green growth into sarnie.. :toothy10:
Its coppicing time for me this and next month. I'd like to extend and finish the allotment [strike]wigwam[/strike] hut if I can. Or at least get enough of it constructed in time for this years flush of nettles which are traditionally used for roofing.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8342028602_4520e0a4a9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8342028602/)
allotmentwigwam (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8342028602/) by Nefariousenator (http://www.flickr.com/people/39243143@N03/), on Flickr
Lots of Hazel, Ash and Willow needed. Now where's that wee axe of mine......
Fork over a patch then cover with a cloche(s) (or similar) to dry and warm the soil for early sown broad beans. They will establish better and produce earlier beans. :happy7:
Build raised beds. Cut hedges.
Quote from: Nigel B on January 03, 2013, 11:59:59
Its coppicing time for me this and next month. I'd like to extend and finish the allotment [strike]wigwam[/strike] hut if I can. Or at least get enough of it constructed in time for this years flush of nettles which are traditionally used for roofing.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8342028602_4520e0a4a9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8342028602/)
allotmentwigwam (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39243143@N03/8342028602/) by Nefariousenator (http://www.flickr.com/people/39243143@N03/), on Flickr
Lots of Hazel, Ash and Willow needed. Now where's that wee axe of mine......
Looks very good for this time of year. When was the photo taken Nigel?
Quote from: ed dibbles on January 03, 2013, 20:41:24
Fork over a patch then cover with a cloche(s) (or similar) to dry and warm the soil for early sown broad beans. They will establish better and produce earlier beans. :happy7:
I think this is an excellent idea - I may well try to do the same and hope the foxes don't decide to make holes in the cloches as they did in previous years..... nosey little fluffy-darlings :sad1:
Keep off the soil until it dries out - thats a long wait, I have a rhubard to move this next week or so also this is the time to take goosegogs cuttings amd also blackcurrants. I already have my shed sorted out. Got my seed packets sorted out into sowing order. I still need to build another compost bin. Havent collected any leaves yet as its been too wet so thats a job that needs to be done soon as they will take a year to rot down for potting compost next year. Gardeners always have to think a year in advance. Also I need to make a cold frame. So theres plenty to do still even though it January
Get out there and trap some moles. now is the most effective time, before the youngsters fledge (or whatever they do).
Whatever suggestions we followed and tried out - I think the same applied to February and again all through March.
Has anyone actually seen sunshine and signs of mid-March Spring on it's way?
Feels like Narnia where I am. Best off staying in the shed :coffee2:
Snowdrops are well and truly out, daffs are budding. I don't know what they're thinking of though!