Renowned horticulturalist and Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has shared his definitive January gardening advice, focusing on a specific task he considers essential during the first month of the year. The 70-year-old gardening expert, who has been educating British gardeners for decades through television and print, has offered both practical guidance and philosophical reassurance to fellow enthusiasts.
The Unwavering January Ritual
In his regular column for Gardener's World Magazine, Don revealed that pruning vines remains his steadfast January commitment, regardless of weather conditions. He explained that this task has become an integral part of his annual gardening calendar, suitable for both frosty outdoor days and wet indoor periods. However, he noted the curious timing disconnect between writing his column in December and actually performing the pruning in January.
Flexible Timing and Reassuring Guidance
Don provided comforting advice for gardeners concerned about perfect timing, recalling wisdom from the late Christopher Lloyd. The best time to prune practically anything is when you remember to do so and have a pair of secateurs in your hand, he emphasized. The gardening expert reassured readers that even early pruning typically results in minimal consequences, perhaps delaying flowering by a few weeks at most.
This practical approach extends to Don's broader philosophy about gardening mistakes. He suggested that failure in the garden represents an opportunity for independent thinking and challenging conventional wisdom. According to Don, these moments of uncertainty often lead to the most interesting gardening discoveries and personal growth as a horticulturist.
Climate Change and Gardening Adaptations
The veteran gardener also addressed how changing weather patterns are affecting traditional gardening schedules. Don has frequently discussed climate change impacts on British gardens in recent years, particularly noting the unprecedented dryness of 2025. He described how his Hertfordshire garden experienced powdery soil conditions extending three feet deep following minimal rainfall since March.
This is undeniably a trend, Don stated regarding the increasingly hot and dry springs. He emphasized that climate change represents a reality that gardeners must acknowledge and adapt to, as traditional seasonal patterns continue to shift.
Practical January Gardening Considerations
While vine pruning remains Don's primary January focus, his broader message encourages gardeners to approach winter tasks with flexibility and confidence. The combination of practical advice about pruning techniques and philosophical perspective on gardening challenges provides a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts navigating the January gardening calendar amidst changing environmental conditions.
