Look at it like this: it feels like only yesterday that a post-4pm sunset felt impossible in the UK. But now the evenings are slowly getting longer, and by February 5, the sun won’t go down ’til a frankly tropical 5pm.

So, while a glance at your currently bleak backyard might not inspire you to whip out the shears or think about sowing seeds, the demands of greener gardens will be upon us sooner than you might expect.

Which is why James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers, said: “January gardening sets the tone for the year ahead... you’ll need plenty of layers of clothing to brace the cold, but it’s worth it when all those lovely bulbs and plants rear their heads come spring.

“Pruning, protecting plants, feeding the soil… It’ll all pay off when your spring garden feels fruitful and brand new.”

Here are five jobs he thinks you should check off your list this month:

1) Get pruning

Pruning can get rid of unwanted or unsightly growth and can allow seeds and flowers to flourish.

“Fruit trees like apple and pear trees, berries, roses, and deciduous shrubs like dogwood and hydrangeas benefit from being pruned in January,........

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