Jobs to do in The garden - January

January is the time to protect your plants and shrubs from frost so plants such as cordylines and fuchsias should be moved to the conservatory or greenhouse.

If we get heavy snowfall, be sure to brush the snow off shrubs and trees to avoid any possible damage to branches. Take cuttings and plant snowdrops to add that much needed winter colour. Snowdrops will survive transplantation provided that they are re-planted straight away. Hedges, trees and shrubs can be planted now provided that the ground is not frozen. If you have any old roses it's time to replace them with new. There will be enough warmth in the soil for good strong root growth so now is the time to plant before the soil freezes Shrubs to plant now include Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Be sure to use ericaceous compost as these shrubs thrive on an acidic soil. Summer flowering bulbs should be ordered now. Gladioli, Dahlias and begonias will burst into colour in the summer.

Protect your garden against strong winds. Ensure that fence posts have not rotted. Fence panels should be properly secured and young trees well staked and tied. You can also wrap protective netting around young trees to offer further protection.

If you have climbing plants ensure that these are well staked to the trellis or support. Now is the time to clear your borders of last year's debris. Dig out all of last summer's annuals and turn the soil. Perennials should be cut right back to ground level. Hard pruning of shrubs is recommended to encourage healthy growth in spring. Add nutrients to the soil such as a bone meal.

Fruit trees should be pruned and thinned out. If branches have become inter-twined, thin these out as this will encourage light throughout the tree. Borders should be mulched. Leaf mould, compost or well rotted manure will all do the job. If you have access to horse manure, this is one of the best mulches to use. Make sure you apply a good covering of mulch, at least 2 inches thick. Not only will this put nutrients back into the soil but it will also protect it from frost. Finally cover and tie down your patio furniture, particularly if you have a wooden set. If you have cast aluminium, this will not need covering but, depending upon the weight of the furniture, it would still be advisable to tie it down.