January on the allotment in the UK may be a quiet month for growing, but the tasks listed below which include preparation, maintenance, and getting ready for the growing season will ensure your allotment is well-prepared for a productive year ahead.
Harvesting:
- Continue to harvest winter vegetables like leeks, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, kalem and cabbages.
- Lift the last of any stored root vegetables still in the ground, Like carrots and swedes.
Soil Care:
- Turn over the soil on empty beds on dry days to expose pests like slugs and larvae to frosts.
- Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure.
- Cover prepared beds with black plastic or fleece to warm the soil for early sowings.
Sowing and Planting;
- Start sowing early crops indoors or in a heated greenhouse, such as chillies, peppers, and tomatoes.
- Begin chitting seed potatoes by placing them in a cool, bright spot with eyes facing up.
- Sow hardy broad beans and peas under cloches or in cold frames for an early crop.
Greenhouse and Polytunnel Maintenance:
- Clean greenhouse glass or polytunnel covers to maximise light.
- Ventilate on warmer days to reduce humidity and prevent mould or mildew
Tool and Equipment Care:
- Clean, sharpen, and oil tools to keep them in good working condition
- Repair or replace any damaged equipment or structures, such as fences, trellises or cold frames.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Check stored vegetables regularly for signs of rot or pest damage.
- Remove any debris or rotting vegetation that could harbour pests or diseases.
- Inspect overwintering crops for signs of pests like slugs and pigeons, and take protective measures.
Planning and Preparation:
- Plan your crop rotations to avoid nutrient depletion and prevent pests and diseases
- Purchase seeds, onion sets and seed potatoes for the next growing season.
- Create a planting and sowing calendar to organise your growing schedule.
Wildlife Care:
- Provide food and fresh water for birds and other wildlife to help them through the Winter.
- Leave some undisturbed areas for overwintering beneficial insects.
- Create or replenish log piles to support habitats for small animals and insects.
General Maintenance:
- Repair raised beds, paths, or other allotment structures.
- Clear debris from paths to prevent them from becoming slippery.
Fruit Care:
- Prune apple and pear trees on dry, frost-free days to improve their shape and remove dead or diseased wood.
- Cut back Autumn- fruiting raspberry canes to ground level to encourage new growth.
- Mulch around the base of fruit bushes and trees to protect roots and retain moisture.
