5. Prepare cold frames
Cold frames can be used soon – especially for cold-tolerant crops like spinach, lamb's lettuce, or radishes. Check in January to ensure the cold frame is clean and in working order: the ventilation, cover, and soil should be checked and cleaned or loosened if necessary.
6. Turn the compost
It's also worth checking your compost heap in winter. If the ground isn't frozen, it's a good idea to turn the compost. This mixes the material, improves aeration, and accelerates decomposition. Larger material should be chopped up and the moisture content checked.
7. Maintain garden tools
Now is the perfect time to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Well-maintained tools not only make work easier but also last significantly longer. Take advantage of the quiet January to get your shears, spades, and other tools ready for spring.
8. Harvest and protect winter vegetables
Even in winter, the garden can provide fresh vitamins. Frost-tolerant varieties such as lamb's lettuce, winter leek, kale, and Brussels sprouts easily withstand temperatures down to -15°C. Snow isn't a problem—it even provides additional protection for the plants. The only critical point is black frost, i.e., severe subzero temperatures without a blanket of snow.
In such cases, a simple fleece, spruce branches, or a polytunnel can provide protection. Lamb's lettuce benefits from a light covering, and leeks can be covered with leaves or soil. This way, you can still harvest crisp vegetables even in the middle of winter – straight from the garden.
Conclusion: A good start begins with preparation
January brings peace to the garden—but also an opportunity to prepare quietly and systematically for the new season. With a little planning, care, and attention, you can lay the foundation for a successful gardening year. This way, spring begins not with a rush, but with a sense of anticipation and a clear conscience.
