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While the majority of the garden lies dormant in January, it's still a great time to get on with certain jobs. In fact, completing certain tasks now sets the garden up for success in spring and summer. To help, a gardening expert has shared the top five jobs to get done now.

James Ewens, gardening expert from Green Feathers, said: "January gardening sets the tone for the year ahead. Although you'll need plenty of layers of clothing to brace the cold, it's worth it when all those lovely bulbs and plants rear their heads come spring. Pruning, protecting plants, feeding the soil... It'll all pay off when your spring garden feels fruitful and brand new. January is also one of the hardest months for our wildlife populations, so making them an all-year-round priority is essential."

Pruning dormant plants in January sets the garden up well for the rest of the year, according to the expert.

James recommended pruning plants and trees, including fruit berries, roses, dogwood and hydrangeas.
The expert said: "These all benefit from pruning and promote healthy, strong growth come spring.

"Remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of pests and disease later in the year. For fruit trees, winter pruning helps maintain structure, improves light penetration, and encourages fruit growth.

"There are a few things to consider when pruning: ensure the weather is dry and frost-free, and secateurs and garden tools are clean and sharp to avoid damaging plants."

Gardeners are recommended to mulch with organic matter in January. This entails applying a thick layer of organic matter, like well-rotted compost or manure, shredded leaves, or bark.

The expert added: "Spread a thick layer of organic matter over the soil, ensuring it isn't packed down too compactly so airflow can still circulate. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and crowns to prevent rot and pests."

January is a survival month for garden birds and wildlife, with natural food and water sources at their lowest.

Keeping feeders topped up with high-energy foods like suet balls and seeds can be a lifeline for many birds and animals during cold weather.

James noted: "Leaving remaining seedheads on plants and resisting the urge to over-tidy provides vital natural food and shelter. Simple piles of logs, leaves or branches offer safe refuge for hedgehogs and overwintering insects, helping protect the wildlife your garden relies on to flourish in spring."

The expert continued: "January planting is possible, and actually, contrary to common belief, it's a great time for hardy, cold-tolerant plants to get a head start for spring.

"As long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged, it's a good time for bare-root plants and shrubs. Bare-root roses and bare-root fruit trees have a chance to establish strong root systems before spring growth begins - so long as they are protected from frost and harsh weather conditions."

Plants need winter layers, and horticultural fleece is a great way to protect them. They wrap around garden plants to protect them from the harsh weather.

If you don't have any to hand, using a lightweight fabric such as old bedsheets can also help.