January Jobs on the Allotment

January on the allotment is often cold, damp, and muddy underfoot – but don’t be fooled into thinking there’s nothing to do. While growth above ground may have slowed to a near standstill, this is one of the most important months for preparation, protection, and planning. What you do now quietly sets the tone for the entire growing season ahead.

This guide is written with local allotment holders in mind, taking into account heavy winter rain, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable winter weather.

 

  1. Look After the Soil (Your Most Valuable Asset)

If there’s one golden rule for January, it’s this: protect your soil.

Plots are particularly prone to compaction at this time of year due to persistent rain, so:

  • Avoid walking on wet ground wherever possible
  • Use planks or boards to spread your weight if access is unavoidable
  • Cover bare beds with cardboard, compost, manure, or membrane to prevent nutrients being washed away

If the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, you can still:

  • Dig in well-rotted manure or compost
  • Rough dig heavier soils and allow frost and winter weather to break them down naturally

Healthy soil now means far fewer problems later.

 

  1. Check Winter Protection After Storms

January often brings strong winds and heavy rain, so regular checks are worthwhile.

  • Make sure fleece, cloches, and netting are still secure
  • Re-firm brassicas loosened by wind or waterlogged soil
  • Clear snow or debris from greenhouses and cold frames

A quick walk round the plot after bad weather can prevent avoidable losses.

 

 

  1. Harvesting Through Winter

There’s still plenty to enjoy from the plot:

  • Leeks
  • Parsnips (often sweeter after frost)
  • Kale and winter cabbages
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Swede and turnips
  • Stored apples, squash, and onions

Lift crops only as needed to keep the rest protected from cold and pests.

 

  1. Pruning & Fruit Care

With plants dormant, January is ideal for pruning.

  • Apple and pear trees can be pruned now (avoid stone fruits)
  • Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches
  • Currants and gooseberries can also be tackled if weather allows

Check tree ties and guards, especially after windy conditions, and adjust where necessary.

 

  1. Greenhouse & Shed Jobs

January is perfect for the jobs that save time later in the year.

Greenhouses

  • Clean glass or panels to maximise limited winter light
  • Wash down staging and surfaces to reduce pests and disease
  • Check heaters, vents, and thermometers are working correctly

Sheds

  • Sharpen spades, hoes, and secateurs
  • Oil wooden handles and metal parts
  • Take stock of seeds, pots, labels, and canes

If you’re missing anything, it’s worth popping into the shop on the plot, where members can get advice as well as supplies.

 

  1. Seed Planning (Keep It Realistic)

January is prime planning time.

  • Review what grew well last year and what didn’t
  • Be honest about how much space and time you actually have
  • Check leftover seeds – many will still be viable

Rather than ordering online, consider using the shop on the plot, where stock is chosen with growing conditions in mind and advice is always available.

 

  1. Early Sowing (With Care)

Late January can allow very early sowing under protection:

  • Broad beans in pots or modules
  • Early onions from seed
  • Hardy lettuces under cover

Light levels are still low, so patience is key – slow growth is normal.

 

  1. Wildlife & Pest Awareness

Allotments provide valuable winter shelter for wildlife.

  • Leave some areas undisturbed where possible
  • Keep bird feeders topped up – birds help control pests later in the year
  • Check sheds and stores for signs of rodents

Supporting wildlife while protecting crops keeps the plot in balance.

 

  1. Plan Improvements for the Year Ahead

January is ideal for thinking jobs:

  • Redesign bed layouts
  • Plan compost bays or water collection
  • Repair raised beds, fences, and paths
  • Make a list of tools or materials needed for spring

The shop on the plot is a good first stop for advice and supplies before the busy season begins.

 

Final Thoughts

January may feel quiet, but it’s one of the most valuable months on the allotment. The small, unglamorous jobs you do now will make the difference when spring arrives and everything suddenly needs doing at once.

Wrap up warm, take your time, and remember: a good growing year starts in January.