Garden maintenance in January: Tips for a healthy garden

The lawn in January

During the winter month of January, your lawn requires special care to stay healthy. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid walking on frost: When the temperature drops below freezing, it is essential not to walk on your lawn. The weight of footsteps can damage frozen grass, resulting in unsightly bare patches.
2. Leave the snow: Snow can actually serve as a natural insulation for your plants and lawn. It protects against extreme cold and freezing. So leave the fallen snow in your garden.

Planting in January

Although January is a winter month, you can still do some yard work to keep your outdoor space attractive:

1. Keep planting: If frost has not yet struck, continue planting hardy species such as winter heather and pansies. This will add color to your garden even during the cold months.
2. Protect against strong winds: Strong and icy winds can cause damage to your plantings. Consider covering winter-sensitive plants with garden fleece or mulch, for example, to protect them from the elements.
3. Planting trees wisely: If you plan to plant trees, look carefully at which direction the most wind comes from and place a tree pole on that side. Tie the tree securely to the pole for stability.
4. Tub Plants Care: Remember to pay attention to tub plants you have placed in winter storage. They can dry out, so water them regularly and ventilate them in frosty weather by opening a window or door.

Pond maintenance in January

Your pond also needs special care in January:

1. Moderate feeding of fish: At low temperatures, usually below 6 degrees Celsius, fish have less appetite. Avoid overfeeding, as undigested food can be harmful. However, herons do have appetites, so make sure your pond net is well-stretched to protect your fish.
2. Check for ice: In harsher winters, your pond may freeze over. Keep a regular eye out to see if there is still an open wak to allow oxygen exchange. If the pond is completely frozen, never use an axe to break the ice; this can cause shocks that are harmful to fish. Instead, use warm water to create an opening.
3. Consider a new pond: If you are planning to build a new pond, January is an appropriate month to prepare and dig the garden. However, be sure to do so during frost-free weather conditions.

Pruning in January

The entire month of January is suitable for pruning fruit trees, shrubs and plants so that they are in top condition for the coming spring. Here are some tips:

1. Choose the right weather: Prune only in mild weather, not during frost. This prevents damage to the plants.
2. Prune grapes before mid-January: For grapes, there is a mid-January deadline for pruning back. If you prune later, the sap flow can get going, which can damage the plant.

With these garden maintenance tips for January, you will be well prepared to keep your garden healthy during the winter month. Take the time to care for your outdoor space and look forward to a beautiful spring!