Essential maintenance for January.
Stand planted patio pots up on feet to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. Protect pots in very cold spells by moving them to a sheltered position
Many perennials can be cut back hard now, removing old growth to make room for new shoots that grow up in Spring
Wash down the green house roof to remove grime and let in more light. Clean out the gutters, and empty and clean water-butts
Remove pots of crocus from their plunge beds once leaf shoots begin to show. Wash old compost off their posts, then place them in the cold greenhouse to develop flowers
Check bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rot or deterioration. Remove diseased ones and sprinkle others with sulphur powder to prevent disease attack
Sweet peas – pinch out the tips of seedlings raised from autumn sowings to encourage sideshoots to form and make bushy plants
Dig over bare areas, forking in plenty of compost or rotted manure. If conditions are very wet cover an area with polythene sheets to keep the rain off, and dig once the soil has dried out
