January

A carpet of white snow and glistening frost on the lawn might look pretty. But this can be pretty tough on the grass underneath. Follow our checklist on protecting your lawn during harsh weather conditions. And help it spring back to life after a long winter.

Did you know different plants prefer different types of soils? Depending on where you live, your soil’s pH level will lie between highly acidic (3.5) to very alkaline (8.5) or neutral (7). To know what soil you have, buy a pH testing kit from a garden centre or online and follow our simple five-step guide.

However large or small your garden, it could make the life-saving difference for wildlife. This is especially true in January, which is often the coldest month and when natural food sources are thin on the ground. Read our guide on creating vital ‘green corridors’ that link towns, parks and the countryside with people’s gardens.

While the weather is cold outside, you can take advantage of the warm weather inside by sowing seedlings. Check out our top tips for growing healthy seedlings, along with a list of our favourite seeds to plant in January.

During the winter, plenty of gardens experience colder temperatures and more extreme weather conditions. If you look out of the window to see snow and ice covering your lawn, here’s what to do:

January is the ideal time to get your garden ready for the year ahead. Here are some of our best gardening tips for January.