January Gardening Jobs – Tips from Our Gardening Team
Winter may be in full swing, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden this January. Our team at Moss & Moor have put together their essential January gardening jobs to keep your garden healthy, tidy, and ready for spring. From pruning fruit trees and planning your vegetable patch, to caring for winter containers and attracting wildlife, there’s something for every gardener – whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro.
Read on for our top tips for winter garden care, expert advice from our knowledgeable plant team, and inspiration to make the most of your garden this month.
Alex’s Gardening Jobs for January
January may be cold, but there’s plenty to do in the garden to keep it healthy and thriving. Here’s Alex’s guide to gardening this month:
Plan Ahead: Decide which seeds you’d like to grow this year and be inspired by our selection in the potting shed.
Pruning: Prune apple and pear trees while they are dormant. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches and aim to create an open goblet shape.
Wildlife: Keep bird baths topped up and use warm water to melt any ice. Take part in the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch between 24th–26th January and see which birds visit your garden.
Containers & Indoor Gardening: Keep winter-planted tubs and containers looking tidy by deadheading and removing debris. Water if needed. Start an indoor herb garden on a bright windowsill.
Vegetables: Begin chitting first early potatoes in a bright, frost-free spot, ready for planting from February onwards.
Protection: Cover tender plants with fleece to protect them from frost.
Winter Interest: Plant hellebores, mahonia, hamamelis and skimmia now, provided the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.
By following these simple tasks, your garden will stay healthy all winter and be ready to flourish in spring.
January Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
skimmia
Evergreen colour for shady gardens chosen by David & Kerstin
Skimmia is a reliable and attractive shrub, perfect for UK gardens. It thrives in shade and offers year round interest, making it ideal for areas where many plants struggle. Glossy evergreen leaves provide structure throughout the seasons, while softly scented spring flowers and vibrant red berries add colour when it is needed most. Berries appear on female plants when a male is grown nearby.
Why choose skimmia
- Thrives in shade
- Evergreen foliage all year
- Scented spring flowers
- Long lasting winter berries
- Ideal for borders, woodland gardens and containers
Where to plant
Plant in partial to full shade, in a sheltered position away from cold winds. Perfect for north facing borders and patio pots.
Soil and care
Skimmia prefers humus rich, well drained soil. Improve the soil with leaf mould or ericaceous compost before planting. In alkaline areas, grow in pots using ericaceous compost.
Water regularly, especially in dry weather, but avoid waterlogging. Mulch in spring with bark or leaf mould to retain moisture.
Maintenance
Skimmia is low maintenance. Remove any damaged growth after flowering and feed lightly in spring.
A timeless shrub that brings calm, colour and structure to the garden all year round.
Houseplant of the month
Dracaena marginata
(Also known as the Dragon Tree)
Chosen by Jenny & Oli
A graceful, slim plant that fits perfectly into tight corners. Dracaena marginata is elegant, easy to style and a great choice for brightening up your home.
Why we love it
- Air purifying
- Striking architectural shape
- NOT pet friendly
Light
Place somewhere bright but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water when the top couple of inches of soil are dry, and allow water to drain away completely. Rainwater or filtered water is best, as fluoride can damage the foliage. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause leaf tips to turn black.
Humidity
Dracaena enjoys a humid environment. Mist occasionally to keep it healthy and happy.
Temperature
Keep in a warm spot, ideally between 15–25°C. Avoid draughts or placing near heat sources.
Height & Growth
Can grow up to 2.5m, but very slowly. You can prune back if needed to fit your space.
Feeding
Apply a liquid feed once a month between April and October.
looking after houseplants
Let’s keep your garden thriving — there’s always something to discover at Moss & Moor!
Welcome to December in the Garden
December brings a gentle pause to the gardening year. The days are shorter, the air is crisp, and the garden settles into its winter rest. It is a time for small, steady jobs that make a big difference, setting the stage for a healthy and colourful start to spring.
Alex has put together his essential gardening jobs for December to help you care for your outdoor space through the colder months. With a little preparation now, your garden will feel well loved and ready for the year ahead.
Alex’s Gardening Jobs for December
Support garden wildlife
Hang up bird feeders or fat balls to give birds a reliable food source when natural supplies are low. You will be rewarded with plenty of garden visitors through winter.
Care for your lawn
Use a garden fork to aerate the lawn which will improve drainage and help prevent winter waterlogging.
Refresh paths and patios
Wash down paving to remove slippery algae. A clean path not only looks tidy but keeps the garden safe on wet days.
Protect fruit trees
Apply a winter wash to fruit trees to help guard against pests and disease before growth begins again in spring.
Shelter tender plants
A small grow house can make all the difference for more vulnerable plants. It offers a cosy home through frosts and cold winds.
Look after your Christmas tree
If you have a real tree, remember to water it regularly and keep it away from heat sources. This will help preserve its needles and scent through the festive season.
Introduce winter scent
December is a wonderful time to plant shrubs that offer fragrance when everything else is quiet. Try sarcococca or viburnum x bodnantense Dawn for uplifting winter scent.
Wrap up pots and plants
Use fleece or bubble wrap around any pots or plants that may struggle with heavy frosts.
Add winter colour
Cornus brings brilliant stem colour that glows on grey days. It is an easy way to brighten borders through winter.
Care for alpine plants
Top up gravel around alpine plants to help improve drainage and reduce the risk of rot during wet spells.
Looking ahead
Although December is a slower month in the garden, the small moments of care now will make all the difference as the seasons begin to turn. Winter is also a lovely time to plan for spring, browse seed packets, and dream up new planting ideas.
If you need advice or would like help choosing plants for winter interest, our team is always here to guide you in our garden centre at Moss and Moor.
December Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Hellebores
A winter favourite for every garden
Hellebores, often known as the Christmas rose or the Lenten rose, are one of the most valuable winter flowering plants for UK gardens. They bring soft colour to the coldest months, opening their elegant blooms in late winter and early spring when very little else is in flower. This makes them a reliable choice for adding interest to borders, containers and shaded corners that feel quiet at this time of year.
These hardy perennials thrive in partially shaded spots with well drained, humus rich soil. They prefer cool and moist conditions and once they have settled in they need very little care. Planting hellebores in a sheltered location helps them cope with winter weather and a layer of mulch in late autumn protects the roots and enriches the soil for the following season.
Hellebores are also a valuable source of early nectar for pollinators. Their long lasting flowers attract bees during the harsher months, supporting wildlife when food is scarce. They are naturally resistant to deer and rabbits which makes them an easy choice for gardens that often see damage from hungry visitors.
One of the reasons hellebores have become such a favourite at Moss and Moor is their ability to return year after year with very little fuss. They form attractive clumps that mature beautifully and offer structure throughout the seasons. With so many varieties available, from soft pinks to deep purples and creamy whites, there is always a hellebore to suit every style of garden.
If you would like advice on choosing the right hellebore for your garden or patio, our team is always happy to help in store.
Houseplant of the month
Poinsettia
(Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Chosen by Oli
The ultimate Christmas houseplant
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also known as Christmas star flowers, are the perfect way to bring festive colour into your home. Their striking bracts, often mistaken for flowers, create instant seasonal cheer and make them a classic choice for decorating tables, shelves or windowsills.
These popular houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer a stable, warm environment. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid letting it sit in water, as poinsettias do not like soggy roots. While they are low maintenance, they are sensitive to cold drafts, so choosing a protected spot is important to keep them looking their best throughout the festive season.
Poinsettias are not pet friendly and their sap can cause mild skin or eye irritation, so it’s best to handle with care and keep them out of reach of children and curious pets.
With proper care, poinsettias can last for weeks, brightening your home well beyond the holiday period. Available in a range of classic reds, soft pinks, creams and even speckled varieties, there is a poinsettia to suit every home and style.
Our team at Moss & Moor are always on hand to advise on care and help you choose your perfect plant to bring festive cheer into your home this Christmas.
looking after houseplants
Let’s keep your garden thriving — there’s always something to discover at Moss & Moor!
Welcome to November in the Garden
As autumn fades and winter approaches, November is the perfect month to prepare your garden for the colder days ahead.
Whether you’re tidying up fallen leaves, planting for next spring, or bringing colour indoors, our Potting Shed team has plenty of advice to keep your garden looking beautiful through the season.
This month, Alex shares his top gardening jobs, David picks a plant that brings colour through winter, and Oli introduces a cheerful festive houseplant to brighten your home. Plus — don’t miss our new arrivals and Moor Rewards member offers!
Alex’s Gardening Jobs for November
Here’s what Alex recommends for your November gardening checklist:
🌹 Plant roses, trees, and shrubs before the cold weather sets in.
🍂 Collect fallen leaves and make your own nutrient-rich leaf mould.
🪴 Lift pots off the ground using pot feet to prevent waterlogging or frozen compost.
❄️ Dig up dahlia tubers after the first frosts and store in a cool, dark place.
🌿 Protect tree ferns by packing the crown with straw and wrapping in fleece.
🧣 Wrap containers with fleece or bubble wrap to prevent frost damage.
🌷 Keep planting spring bulbs – there’s still time!
🌼 Lift and divide perennials to improve plant health for next year.
“It’s all about getting ahead this month,” says Alex, our Potting Shed Manager and Horticultural Expert. “A little work now makes all the difference when spring returns.”
November Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Erica gracilis
Chosen by David, our plant specialist, Erica gracilis brings much-needed colour to the garden during the darker months.
A low-growing evergreen, Erica gracilis flowers from autumn through to spring, providing much-needed colour in the winter months. It works beautifully on its own or mixed with seasonal favourites such as pansies, violas, and primroses. Flower colours typically range from pink to red or white.
David’s Top Care Tips:
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade
- Plant in well-drained soil
- Reaches 20–30cm at maturity
- Ideal for borders or winter containers
Houseplant of the month
Schlumbergera (Christmas Cacti)
Chosen by Oli
Bring a burst of tropical colour indoors with Oli’s pick of the month — the Christmas Cactus.
Oli’s Care Tips for Your Christmas Cactus
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch or fade the leaves.
- Water: In spring and summer, water when the top soil feels dry. In autumn and winter, water less to give the plant a rest.
- Humidity: Enjoys a little extra humidity – a light mist now and then keeps it happy.
- Temperature: Likes 18–24°C. During autumn and winter, allow two short rest periods in cooler conditions.
looking after houseplants
✨ Wrap Up the Season with Moss & Moor
From pruning and planting to brightening your home with seasonal colour, November is full of opportunities to enjoy your garden.
While you’re preparing for winter, don’t forget to explore our Gardening Page for the New In range and our Potting Shed Moor Rewards offers — from garden tools and winter bedding to festive treats and exclusive member savings, there’s something to inspire every gardener this season.
Let’s keep your garden thriving — there’s always something to discover at Moss & Moor!