Garden chores for January

The days are getting longer. This is a quiet month for gardening, but of course there are things you can do.

Do not walk on the lawn when it is frosty. Frosty grass can damage easily.
Spread the ground of the mole hills over the lawn.
If the weather is mild and the soil is not too wet you can lay a new turf. Do not walk on the newly laid turf and leave it undisturbed for several weeks to allow new roots to establish.
Watch out for waterlogging. You can improve the drainage by spiking the waterlogged areas with a hand fork.

Many deciduous trees can be pruned if the weather is mild. It is a bit too soon for fruit trees, evergreens and tender plants.
Remove dead and damaged branches from trees and shrubs.
Prune vines, Wisteria and other shrubs, hedges and perennials if the weather is mild.
Leave some garden areas uncut, a little longer, to provide shelter for wildlife in your garden.

You can plant bare-root roses and deciduous shrubs, hedges and trees if it the weather is mild. They have to be planted promptly before they dry out. It is better not to plant new roses in areas where roses were previously grown because the diseases of the old roses may remain in the ground and infect your new roses.
Plants, shrubs, hedges and trees in containers can be planted all year round if the weather is mild.
Frost may have lifted newly planted perennials which makes it harder for the roots to get established. Check your plants regularly and firm them back when necessary.

This is a perfect time for maintenance on the lawn mower, garden tools and mechanical equipment.
Cut off the water supply to outside water tap and let out the remaining water to avoid frost damage.
Put out food for birds and other animals. Regularly clean the feeding area with hot water to prevent the spreading of diseases.
Knock off the snow from branches to prevent them from breaking.
Remove weeds.
Check if the ties around the trees are not too tight or too loose.
Protect tender plants and newly planted trees, hedges and shrubs from cold winds and frost. You can use straw mats or bubble wrap for example. Do not leave the materials for too long because that may cause rots. Dry mulch or dead leaves can be used to protect the roots.
Remove the ice from the pond with care. If the ice is thick, use boiling water rather than a hammer. The shock waves from the hammer may kill the creatures beneath.
Order summer flowering bulbs and seeds.