January & February – In General

Weeding

Clear fallen leaves (inc from lawn)

Cut back grasses & other perennials left for winter interest

Prune Wisteria - cut back the sideshoots shortened by summer pruning

to 2 or 3 buds. Avoid cutting off flower buds

Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted & transplanted 

Pruning of many deciduous trees, shrubs & hedges exc tender plants and Prunus species

Check tree ties & stakes and tie in wall trees & climbers

Cut back ornamental vines

Deadhead winter bedding

Pest and disease watch and treat accordingly

Keep tubs & containers tidy - they can be mulched with compost or grit

Water some container pots/don't let them dry out

Raise patio containers to avoid them sitting them in the wet

Cover any large pots at risk of cracking from frost with bubble wrap

Bring inside any tender plants

January – Specific

Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch

Prune open-grown apples & pears

Cut off old leaves of Helleborus that produce flowers from ground level to expose the flowers

Collect leaves that have blown over beds

February – Specific

Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering

Prune hardy evergreen hedges 

Prune some climbers ie Clematis & Jasminum nudiflorum

Divide and/or plant bulbs-in-the-green ie snowdrops

Divide clumps of herbaceous perennials

Clear up weedy beds before mulching – heavier soils are best left until March, when the soil is warmer

Towards end of month, top dress beds with balanced fertiliser eg Growmore or Blood, Fish & Bone