In The Fruit Garden This January

January is a key month for the fruit garden, focused on pruning, planting, and protection while plants are dormant.

🍎 Pruning (choose dry, frost-free days) 

• Prune apple and pear trees (trained forms, bush, and standard) to shape and encourage fruiting.

• Prune currants and gooseberries—remove old, unproductive wood and open up the centre.

• Cut autumn-fruiting raspberries right down to ground level.

• Do NOT prune stone fruits (plum, cherry, apricot) now—wait until summer to avoid disease.

🌱 Planting 

• Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes while they’re dormant, as long as the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

• Heel in bare-root plants if conditions are poor, keeping roots protected until planting is possible.

• Check tree ties and stakes—loosen if rubbing or constricting.

🛡️ Protection & care 

• Mulch around fruit trees and bushes with compost or well-rotted manure, keeping it clear of trunks.

• Protect roots in containers by wrapping pots with fleece or bubble wrap.

• Net brassica cages near soft fruit to deter birds that may also attack buds.

🐛 Pest & disease control 

• Apply grease bands to apple, pear, plum and cherry trees to stop winter moth females climbing to lay eggs.

• Remove mummified fruit and fallen leaves to reduce disease carryover.

• Check stored fruit and remove any that are rotting.

🍓 Soft fruit & vines 

• Prune grapevines before sap starts rising (bleeding).

• Thin overcrowded strawberry plants and remove dead leaves.

• Tie in blackberry and loganberry canes to supports.

📋 Planning & preparation 

• Purchase new fruit plants early for best availability.

• Plan feeding regimes for spring.

• Clean and sharpen secateurs and saws for the busy months ahead.