Stormy gardening in January

It may be raw and cold but at least better times are coming. Even though the garden is apparently quite still, under the surface there is already lots of life. In principle you can just sit back and enjoy the winter landscape through the window. Even so, if your fingers are really itching, the pot plants always enjoy being talked to.

Cover delicate plants
If it is really frosty, it is usually followed by a strong sunlight. In the cold months of January and February, many plants die from lack of water as a result of strong evaporation. But luckily you have a Christmas tree. Out it goes. Off with the decorations and saw the branches off. Lay them over your rhododendrons and over the roses. The branches prevent evaporation and provide protection from the worst of the sun.

Pots of ice
Potted plants need even more protection. If the pot freezes at the bottom, there is a great risk that the plant will die and that the pot will also crack as the frozen soil expands. So It is best to remove plants from pots and tubs and cover the roots in soil, preferably in a greenhouse or in a sheltered corner. Then cover the soil with leaves, straw or cuttings. Alternatively, wrap the tub in glass wool or a thick layer of old newspapers or other insulation.

Rhubarb in the greenhouse
If you can work the soil, dig up a clump of rhubarb and put it in the greenhouse. Start watering in February. If you want to have a very early spring, dig up a couple of spring bulbs and warm them up gradually. The vine in the greenhouse should be cut back to leave only a third of new shoots.

Sow the begonias
Summer starts on the windowsill. You can sow begonias from the beginning of January in a bowl in a warm windowsill. Do not cover the seeds but press them lightly into the soil. Cover them with plastic to maintain humidity. Wait with other summer flowers until February. Sowing too early means the risk of etiolated, straggly plants unless they are specially lit.

Peppers in flower
Branches from spring-flowering bushes such as Japanese quince, flowering currant, horseradish tree, Fragrant Viburnum, etc., can be placed in a vase. Fill well with water. Keep cool until the first buds emerge and then gradually transfer to a warm room. Mist spray them with water once in a while.

Water for the four corners of the Earth
If you have an Amaryllis that has finished flowering, do keep watering it. Gradually reduce watering until the plant has fully withered. Plant the bulb in the garden in the spring and take it in again in September.

Trees that bleed
Birch, walnut, vines, sycamore and plum trees are getting ready for the spring, and so this kind of plant should not be pruned anymore. Instead, wait until they again have leaves.

Bright, living greenhouse
Your greenhouse may look a bit miserable. But try lighting candles or a chain of fairy lights in the greenhouse. It is really pretty and helps liven up the dark winter months. Also note that snow and especially slush can break the panes of glass.