Deep mid-winter is a time for gardens (and gardeners) to rest for a while. With a bit of luck we’ll get some proper cold weather to ensure that plants go into proper dormancy and pests have a harder job over-wintering. If the ground is frozen or waterlogged (the latter is probably more likely around here) then keep off lawns and bed and let nature get on with the work for now. You can stay warm and dry, focus on seed and plant catalogues and plan 2022’s displays and harvests.

December and January is the perfect time for one of our favourite jobs, pruning apples, quinces and pears. Take it slowly, an interesting thought we were given was “spend as much time looking as cutting”. Firstly cut out dead, diseased and damaged wood and then work on creating a nice open structure that will allow plenty of airflow next summer and coincidentally leave you a striking winter silhouette.

Quince tree

There is no getting away from the fact that the days are very short and that light is at a premium, so winter containers featuring primulas, pansies, early flowering bulbs, evergreens and plants with coloured stems such as Cornus can add much needed splashes of brightness and colour.  These flowers and plants will also be brightening up the garden as well.

One of the great things about gardening is that one is always looking forward. Even at cold and dark times of the year, you can get on with seed sowing and propagation. We start our onions and leeks in December and by the end of January there will be aubergines on the way. It is also a great time of year for taking hardwood cuttings such as roses and fruit bushes.  This is a very simple technique, which usually gives very good success rates, you simply need a bit of patience and to make sure that cuttings don’t dry out once warmer weather arrives,

Some gentle tidying up can help you to feel in control, clearing up leaves on lawns and paths, and a gentle mow of the grass (if the weather has been dry) makes everything look better. Mulching weed-free beds with organic matter will encourage earthworms, and they can get on with improving the soil structure while you stay warm indoors.