Top gardening tasks to tackle this January

Although January is in the middle of summer, the garden continues to thrive as the days get hotter. This is an excellent time to plan for ongoing gardening tasks. Your sunlight-loving plants will enjoy the fresh air and sunny days. Some TLC may also be needed, especially after the festive season, as many people neglected their gardens.

These general tasks will do your garden good:

Mulching

Mulching is always a priority, but especially in summer. You need to mulch around all plants and veggies using a light layer of mulch. This can consist of dried leaves, straw, bark, or compost. It will allow water to penetrate easily but reduce evaporation. It can reduce watering requirements down to 50%.

Water

Water around 2 to 3 times a week. Always monitor the soil moisture by pushing your finger into the soil. If it’s moist, leave for another day before watering. You need to remember to water early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Rotate plants from indoors and shady patios, as well as hanging baskets, towards the light regularly to ensure even leaf growth. Keep an eye on the water levels of ponds and bird baths. Make sure to top them up from January straight to autumn.

Feed your plants

You surely need to feed your plants, especially your fruit-bearing trees like mangoes, avocados, and granadilla vines. Apply specialised fertilisers for roots, foliage, and future fruit production. Use slow-release fertilisers at this time of year because it is getting hotter. Garden containers, young seedlings and indoor plants must now be fed every two weeks with water-soluble all-purpose products.

Plant your cuttings

January is an ideal time to take cuttings, as they will be well-rooted and strong enough to be planted out before winter arrives again. You can propagate plants such as viburnums, daisy bushes, and lavenders. Simply snip off sturdy stems, remove all the bottom leaves, and leave just a few at the top. Press them firmly into damp seedling mix. Always keep them damp and shaded, and your plants will soon have rooted plants.