As we step into a fresh month and the new year unfolds, gardening expert Michael Griffiths has taken to TikTok once again to share his green-fingered expertise. In his latest video, he outlines essential January tasks for garden enthusiasts.
“If you want an incredible display from your wisteria this spring you want to give it a winter prune now,” he instructs viewers. He also highlights that grapevines should be pruned in January before the sap begins to flow, enhancing the prospects of a bountiful harvest later in 2025.
“You can winter wash fruit trees to help control pests and diseases,” Michael also suggests, but cautions that this could also strip away “overwintering beneficial wildlife”.
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The expert goes on to say: “It’s now time to plant bare-root roses, shrubs, hedging, fruit trees and other bushes as long as the ground isn’t frozen.” And for those with deciduous ornamental trees, shrubs, and fruit trees, he notes that now is the prime moment for winter pruning.
Closing his tips, Michael recommends keeping bird feeders full and bird baths topped up during the chilly weather, while also being vigilant about water freezing over in the latter.
One of his 255,000 followers praised the guidance, commenting: “As a gardener myself of 15 years, your videos are so helpful and remind me to do stuff in my clients’ gardens. Thanks for your videos!”
Another admitted: “I’m confused about pruning my wisteria, it’s like two-years old and nowhere near as big as I need it to be. Do I need to prune it?” She was advised: “Yes, twice a year, it helps to stop it going too gangly. There are guides if you look online as to how and when.”
Whilst a third TikTok user chimed in: “Was going to prune plum and pear trees (new home so not done before) but ready not to do it yet.” Another gardening enthusiast responded: “Plum tree would be best to do in the summer when in leaf, unlike an apple tree that you would prune at this time of year.”
Michael has also offered advice on disposing of your real Christmas tree, meanwhile. “Starting with the boughs of the tree, cut them off and you can lay them in your containers and garden beds for frost protection,” he suggests. “Or if you want a thicker ground cover you can put them through a shredder to get some free wood mulch.”
He also recommends burying the stump of your Christmas tree in the garden. “Now you have a perfect trellis for climbing plants in the spring. This will be ideal for sweet peas.”