:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/garden-calendar-0822-2000-e2fc57b1b5304bb4b94dcf545b37fffd.jpg "Gardening should be done in January and seeds should be sown earlier")
January and gardening usually don't go well. The weather is cold, wet and the last thing you want to do is go out and tend to the garden.
But to enjoy a piece of paradise in the warmer months, plenty of gardening needs to be done early in the year to reap the rewards while the sun is shining. We've taken a look at some of the seeds you should plant early in the year to have beautiful autumn flowers within months.
As you might expect, winter gardening is a very slow process, but with a lot of patience you will find that your efforts will pay off. Plants planted earlier in the greenhouse appreciate the extra protection and get the best start when planted in the ground.
Greenhouse prices can vary greatly. The most expensive is the Outsunny 6 x 8ft Polycarbonate Greenhouse from B&Q, which costs £309.99. But there are much cheaper, albeit simpler, options, such as the McGregor Greenhouse, which is a very cheap £50 at Argos.
The seeds are sown in January
According to The Express, many flowers can be planted this month to give you a head start and ensure your garden is full of color and quality throughout the year.
Snapdragons are an old country garden plant that can be grown now. Sow the seeds in the greenhouse and plant them in your flower bed in early spring.
Popular with bees, snapdragons vary in size and come in a variety of bright colors. This classic plant usually blooms from June to October when grown outdoors.
The seeds can be bought on Amazon for just £1.99.
Other flowers that can be planted at this time include:
If you're not lucky enough to grow your own plants, you can buy a range of mature plants from Garden Express, who are currently offering up to 70% off their winter sale.
The work should be completed at the beginning of the year
In addition to planting seeds, many general maintenance works must be done now. One of the most important actions is to start cutting fruit trees such as apples and pears.
The RHS recommends that you "remove 10 to 20 percent of your total coverage each winter." The RHS also says gardeners should carry out some informal tasks, such as cleaning the greenhouse, to improve the growing environment for plants and help them bloom in the spring and summer.
The RHS adds: "If your lawn is trampled dead and muddy during the rain, consider installing stepping stones to facilitate access without causing damage." »
