Key Tasks for January

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.