It can be tempting to ignore your garden in the winter, but there are some vital jobs that need to be done now to ensure your outdoor space is ready for the spring months
Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
14:53, 09 Jan 2026
These tasks need to be done in January(Image: Vita Molyneux)
Freezing temperatures and persistent rain are battering most of the UK. Snowfall has even been recorded as far south as London, but despite it appearing to be the least favourable time for gardening, there are some essential jobs that must be tackled this month.
If you’re hoping to ensure your garden flourishes when milder weather arrives, now is the moment to focus on these vital tasks. Gardening expert Paul Parker from plants and bulbs specialists J. Parker’s, has revealed his five jobs that should be completed now to guarantee your garden looks stunning come spring.
From trimming to planting, these essential chores will maintain your garden’s freshness and vitality.
Help your garden thrive in the spring(Image: Getty)
Plant bare-root plants
Provided your garden isn’t completely frozen, January presents an excellent opportunity to get your bare-root plants into the soil, reports the Express.
Paul explained: “January is the golden window for planting bare-root plants while they are still dormant. Bare-root plants are sold without a pot or soil, so they come as described with their roots exposed. This makes them easier to handle and usually more affordable.”
During the winter period, the plant is typically dormant, making it an ideal time to plant it. This ensures the roots will be primed to establish rapidly once temperatures start to climb.
Plant last-minute spring bulbs
Another task to tackle this month is planting your bulbs. While autumn is typically the ideal time for bulb planting, January still offers an opportunity.
Paul explained: “Bulbs like tulips and daffodils can still be planted in January, although they might not bloom until a little later in the season.
Some bulbs can still be planted in January(Image: Getty)
“Place your bulbs on top of the soil, without pressing them in so as not to damage the base of the bulb, then cover with two to four inches of finished compost or aged mulch, topping up the mulch with a fresh layer to keep them protected from the elements.”
Prune climbing roses
This is the ideal moment to give any climbing roses a hard prune – provided you’ve been cultivating them for more than two years.
Paul advises against hard pruning any rose that’s been in position for less than this period as it will still be getting established.
He explained: “Pruning your climbing roses in January, while the plant is dormant, will help its shape and prepare them for a bountiful bloom come summer.”
Prune fruit trees
Apple and pear trees are ready for pruning now, though any stone fruit varieties should be avoided as this period makes them susceptible to silver leaf fungus.
Paul noted: “If you haven’t already, prune your apple and pear trees while the plants are dormant. Also, without the leaves, it becomes much easier to prune with confidence.
“Cut any dead or diseased stems and any that may be crossed or inwards facing. The aim is to create a goblet-shaped frame, ready for new growth.”
Check for disease
Winter weather can take its toll on plants, and for those cultivating hellebores, this is an ideal moment to inspect for leaf spot disease.
Paul explained: “Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as dark blotches and marks on your hellebore foliage.”
He advised: “If you spot any affected leaves, remove and bin them carefully to limit their spread, making sure not to chuck these in the compost.”
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