Well, it’s been a few years since I last posted, aside from my introduction, my first proper blog post on my new website has to be January – love it or hate it – without doubt, the most depressing month of the year. It’s cold, it’s wet, and we’ve just survived the Christmas food coma, financial hangover, and the post-gift-wrapping madness. Oh, and did I mention the first snow of the year? Spring is coming, but we’re not there yet, it’s no wonder January feels like the longest month ever.
But hold up, I’m not about to spend the whole post complaining (okay, maybe just a little). We’ve all been there: January has that awkward “getting back to normal” phase where nothing seems exciting, and everything feels…well, bleak. The days are short, the nights are long, and honestly, the whole thing can feel a bit pointless. However, let’s not rush it — the years are flying by fast enough as it is.
But Wait! January from a Gardening Point of View…
Sure, right now, the garden is looking pretty sad. I’m talking soggy, windswept, and untidy. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ve got just 71 days until Spring. Maybe that sounds too long? It isn’t. Just 71 days to get through the cold, the drizzle, and the “How is it not February yet?” moments before we hit that glorious time of year. Hang in there.
In the meantime, there’s still plenty to do — like pretending you know what you’re doing with seed planting. Now, I’m not saying you should run outside with a packet of seeds and start a full-blown sowing party. That’s not what I’m suggesting. For most things, I’d hold off until the end of February, but now is the time for some varieties of plants.
The pictures below are from February 2024, seeds well underway; sweet peas and lupins, tulips popping their heads up and the lush green growth of a hydrangea cutting coming to life.
There are exceptions, like sweet peas, which can be easily started now (at least in the warm comfort of your house, away from the unforgiving, cold world outside). Get them started in used toilet roll tubes, no need to spend a fortune to get going, especially in January.
Speaking of which, I’ve got the perfect windowsill in my lounge. It’s got plenty of light, which makes it an ideal seed station for sweet peas in January. So, yes, I’m getting a head start on those. (Because if I’m being honest, it feels good to get started, even this early in the year — however, my ability to “tidy up the garden” is a whole different story.)
Oh yes, and the lupins, the majestic lupins. In previous years, I’ve started them in October/November, since they’re pretty tough and can survive in a cold greenhouse (because my kind of “fun” is planting seeds in the dead of winter). You can even sow them directly in the ground over winter, although I’ve never been that brave. I did sow a few before Christmas and shall sow some more next month.
On a side note, I have discovered a packet of Coleus seeds in my bureau today, which say they can be started indoors anytime…hmmm, oh, ok then 🙂
Winter Gardening: The January Struggle
There are plenty of other garden jobs to be done, many of which I’d rather just not think about in January. Leaf raking? Bramble digging? Pot cleaning? Ugh. Who’s got the stomach for that when it’s Arctic conditions out there?
I also leave all the old dead stems and leaves till next month to give the wildlife some shelter and food over winter, the rudbeckias and hydrangeas look magical in their dried forms, even more so covered in snow. It also gives structure to the garden and a promise of what is to come.
But hey, I’ve already crossed off one item on the list — cleaning the decking area, thanks to the husband. So at least I’m not slipping every time I step outside. Small victories, people. Small victories.
A Year in the Life of a Gardener… (and a Job Seeker)
Last year, to say I was “distracted” by life would be an understatement. I lost my job in February, which then became a full-time job in itself (job hunting in your 50s is its own form of torture, let me tell you). This prompted me to start my own company, The Willows Virtual Services. Combine starting a new business on top of relentless rain, howling winds, and my garden looking more “apocalyptic wasteland” than “tranquil retreat,” and you’ll understand why some tasks were, well, purposely neglected.
This year? I’m determined to get my raised beds back in action. Apocalyptic or not, something useful needs to grow in them. Otherwise, I’ll just keep telling myself it was the “bad weather” that ruined everything. Fingers crossed!
And Finally… Hello Mr Squirrel!
As I sit here gazing out at the winter wonderland (and trying not to think about how much I still need to do in the garden), I am reminded that it’s the perfect time to check your bird feeders and clean them out. You don’t want to go into Spring with a grubby feeder situation, trust me. And while I’m on the topic of wildlife, Mr. Squirrel seems to be living his best life out there, helping himself to whatever treats he can find. I can’t blame him. If I were a squirrel, I’d be enjoying this cold-weather buffet, too.
So, hang in there, folks! January may be the most difficult month of the year, but slow down, make the most of the quiet, dark nights, and catch up on some binge-worthy box sets. Let’s hold on to the thought of warmer weather, the garden bursting with life, the things we’ll grow, and the projects we’ll finally tackle when the weather permits.
We can get through this month together, organising our seed packets and eating copious amounts of cheese and, okay, maybe a little bit more of the panettone we didn’t eat over Christmas, eh?
