Clean pots ready for new planting and the greenhouse if you have one, I have always found Jeyes Fluid very good. Empty and clean out water butts if possible and repair any leaking piping or taps.
If not done already then apple and pear trees can still be pruned and if lucky enough to have rhubarb it can start to be forced now under an old chimney pot or a forcing pot from a garden centre. Although expensive, they are a lifetime investment and can be most attractive.
On a cold wet day there is nothing more uplifting than looking at plant and seed catalogues and planning what to include in your garden later in the year. Buy seeds early so you are not disappointed. On fine days look around the garden and enjoy signs of new life emerging from the soil.
When the festive season is over and if you have a real tree please recycle by chipping it for use on the garden or take to the recycling centre.
Happy New Year, keep warm and don’t forget to look after your inside plants.
The Tidy Gardener