If you saw the “One Show” on BBC 1, you would have realised your environmentally friendly credentials and bought a real Christmas tree which should be recycled at your local shredding or composting site.

January is not really the month to be out and about because it’s usually too cold wet and windy for my liking. Especially bearing in mind that European ski resorts are reporting their best start to the season for many a year. Not that I ski but shows that I am widely read. Therefore be ready to get rid of snow from your plants where it is likely to cause damage though bear it in mind that it can actually be a benefit for some plants as it will act as an insulation layer against frosts. Likewise ensure any pots, containers etc are well protected.

Did you get the garden dug? If not it is still not too late. (Hint, your spade is buried in the corner of the garage/shed under the rubbish, so no excuses). If your garden is heavy you can improve drainage by working in compost or soil improvers, likewise if it is free draining you can improve water retention by doing the same thing. But a word of warning, adding compost or soil improvers can lock up nitrogen in the first instance as the soil bacteria will have first call on it as they use it to break down the woody plant matter into food.

If you do feel the need to plant something this is a good time to plant fruit trees, roses, hippeastrum bulbs (inside), lilies (inside and out) provide the soil is in a suitable condition. However frosts can lift the roots so keep an eye out and tread them back in as soon as possible.

On soils which are not too cold or heavy, you can sow hardier peas and broad beans. On light soils, even shallots may be planted.

Now is also the time to begin thinking about your early Spring planting. Plan ahead and order your plug plants for March and April potting on. My experience tells me to order early and get exactly what you are wanting as opposed to making do with what is left. Plug plants are a great way of having lots of plants in the garden without having to part with too much of the “hard earned”. Talk to your friends and neighbours and pool together and buy a whole load and share them around. I like to call it social gardening (you can also pick up discounts buying in bulk).

As far as the lawn is concerned leave it alone, it will still be there next month. Ok if you insist top it if you absolutely must and/or brush off any worm casts. Right now leave it alone.

Make sure you keep putting out bird food over the next few months and make sure the bird bath is kept topped up and ice free. Specialist bird food suppliers will give you advice on what is suitable for your area/garden and are always worth chatting to. If it is a mild winter, Hedgehogs can wake up for a mid-winter snack before dropping off again, so keep an eye out for them and if seen give them proper food (available from the better pet shops etc), failing that dog food. Til next month and Valentines day, adieu!