January
December In The Fruit Garden
Now is the perfect time to prune fruit trees to maintain an open, balanced structure and encourage quality fruit production. However plums, cherries and other stone fruits should not be pruned until the summer as winter pruning will make them susceptible to silver leaf fungus. Make sure you use clean, sharp secateurs to avoid damaging your trees.
Plant blueberries this winter for an attractive addition to the fruit garden. With pretty white flowers, delicious berries and fiery autumn foliage, these acid loving plants provide constant interest.
Prune grape vines.
Protect wall trained peaches and nectarines from wet winter weather, with clear polythene positioned over the plant but not touching it.
If you’d like to grow your own delicious raspberries next year, plant raspberry canes now whilst they are dormant.
Top Tip
Protect the tips of fig tree branches as these will carry the fruits for next year and are susceptible to frost. Cover with fleece or straw.
- Check your winter protection structures are securely in place.
- Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding.
- Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops.
- Reduce watering of houseplants.
- Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing.
