| Fruit Jobs in January
Force rhubarb by lifting crowns and replanting under glass in moist,
rich soil, or by covering crowns in the open with manure.
Prune soft fruits.
Cut out thin old shoots from black currants, and thin young shoots from red and white currants and from gooseberries.
Burn the prunings, and store the ashes dry to dust among seedlings.
If cuttings are wanted, pieces 6 – 12 in. long, cut below a joint, can be inserted.
Thin out the branches of apples, and any that are overcrowding.
Stake young trees.
Spray with caustic wash to destroy lichen and hibernating insects.
Thin raspberry canes, tie them to supports, and mulch the surface soil with old, decayed manure.
Top dress the soil round loganberries.
Nail up wall-fruits. Prune outdoor grapes.
Spray winter-wash well into the bark of fruit trees, Wear old clothes and gloves.
Spray with the wind. Tar Oil washes are easily the most effective.
Mulch strawberries with manure. |
| Vegetable Jobs in January
Finish all digging as soon as possible.
Protect chicory, celery and endive from frosts.
Begin mushroom culture now. Fresh stable-manure is essential for this crop.
Early potatoes should be set to sprout now. Some can be planted
in the cold frame, and in a very warm, sheltered border a few can be planted outdoors.
Sow early-maturing varieties of peas in a sheltered position. As soon
as the young plants show, sprinkle lime and soot among them to keep
away slugs. Put in twigs at sowing time. They break the wind, and
give a shelter to the young plants.
Protect globe artichokes with litter, leaves or soil.
A few broccoli leaves should be bent over the flower-heads for protection.
Plant out cabbages on a sheltered border, if seedlings are available, and mild days occur.
Force asparagus crowns and seakale.
Make up hotbeds for Mushrooms
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