Jo Whittingham: Garden works

Finally, after a busy year working in other people's gardens, I've resolved to put some serious hours into my own plot this month. It might be a bit cold and gloomy, but lavish a little attention on the garden now and it'll be in perfect shape for the growing season ahead.

First things first, though: don't overlook the planning. January's bare branches make it easy to see where the garden could do with more evergreen structure and winter interest, but think back to last year too. Were there times in spring or summer when there was a lack of colour? Maybe there was a mountain of vegetables in August, but otherwise pickings were slim? Or perhaps there wasn't anywhere sunny to sit and relax after all your hard work? Take the opportunity to get some ideas on paper this month and make a start on them as soon as you can.

I'm planning to dig new beds this month and it'll come as no surprise that I've got designs on filling them with more fruit and vegetables. Lifting slabs and turf is just the beginning, because it's important to dig over new beds when the soil's not too wet and add plenty of well-rotted compost or manure to help improve the soil structure. Existing beds, whether ornamental or productive, also benefit from an annual mulch, but it's better to spread a thick layer of compost on warm soil, so leave it a couple of months if you can.

Buying all this compost or manure gets expensive, so what better incentive to get a compost heap going? Making your own compost isn't difficult, but it does take a little bit of effort. A good balance of about half green waste (vegetable peelings, grass clippings) to half brown waste (fallen leaves, chipped wood, paper and card) creates the right conditions for the decomposing organisms to get to work. Then, after a couple of months, turn the compost into a second empty bin and leave it until it's brown and crumbly. Meanwhile start filling the newly emptied bin with fresh waste.

Of course, January sees some of our frostiest weather, so it's an idea to check that any covers protecting tender plants are still securely in place. This is also the most important time to feed the birds. In cold weather a feeder almost guarantees some colourful garden visitors, who might well return the favour by coming back to pick caterpillars and greenfly off your plants in summer.

• This article first appeared in the Scotsman on Saturday 2 January, 2010