For winter jobs

John is keeping with the season to get a few winter jobs done in the garden this week, while indoors it’s time to start sowing seeds

T he gardener’s weather has been very kind over winter. Seems like we must be getting another mild winter, as we are now at the end of January and I have yet to see a snow flake. In fact it has been dry and warm with just a few morning frosts, and ground preparations up on the allotment are well ahead.

Digging has been completed apart from where winter vegetables are growing, but it is always very easy to find other jobs needing attention.

Fruit trees and bushes and roses, (bush, shrub and climbers) have all been pruned. Most grape vines inside the greenhouse as well as outdoor varieties have all been pruned though I left a few shoots on so I could get a batch of cuttings.

Grape vines like an early start and with the mild winter they are quick to spring into growth, so to prevent sap bleeding from pruned shoots, the pruning is best completed by the end of January for those under glass, and a couple of weeks later for those grown outdoors.

Wherever they are grown, adopt a system that allows good air circulation around developing bunches and continual summer pruning to prevent the vines from growing excessively at the expense of grapes.

Establish a permanent framework of rods and laterals with spurs every six inches or so.

Vines are very adaptable and are happy to be restricted to any space available, and perfect on a warm southfacing wall.

During December to early February cut all shoots back to one bud on the rods or laterals.

Once growth starts in spring, wait till you see the young grape bunches appear then start the summer pruning.

Cut the shoot tips after two leaves have formed beyond the fruit bunches then subsequently cut all shoots after one leaf.

When the vine is prevented from growing excessively it puts all its energy into developing the bunches of grapes.

Grapes are very easy to propagate. Retain some of the strongest shoots and cut to lengths of two to three buds and putting them into small pots, three to a pot.

Grow them indoors in a cold greenhouse or on a windowsill.

Once rooting takes place and growth commences remove them from the pot and place them in individual pots. They grow very quickly.

Figs growing outdoors can also be

When the vine is prevented from growing excessively it puts all its energy into developing the bunches of grapes

Clockwise from top left: fig cuttings; Rhubarb crowns ready to divide and replant; Winter pruned grape vine spur; Grape vine cuttings; John picking a few sprouts; Grape vine rods after pruning; and Checking tree ties and stakes. Pictures: John Stoa.