January in the Garden
The holiday season is behind us, and the new year is the perfect time to start thinking about your garden. While it’s still too early for outdoor planting, January is ideal for planning, browsing seed catalogs, and starting seeds indoors to get an early jump on the season. January Edible Planting Guide
Garden Chores
Things you can do to keep you busy & get ahead.
Winter Pruning: Pruning Tips
- Prune with a purpose. Don’t “top” trees or shrubs including crape myrtles. Don’t leave stubs. Cut flush against remaining branches on shrubs and along the branch collar on trees.
- Prune evergreen trees to minimize possible ice damage.
- Prune to re-shape evergreen shrubs and shade trees, as needed, during the winter dormant period.
Plant:
- Plant new shade trees, fruit trees, and evergreen shrubs, mulching root areas.
- Transplant established trees and shrubs while they are dormant.
- Plant bare-root plants such as fruit trees, nut trees, and roses.
Garden Maintenance:
- Watch houseplants for insect pests
- Remove from turf areas to reduce disease and insect problems.
- Compost and mulch – add more to beds if it has washed away or blown away or disintegrated.
- Water lawn once every three weeks or so, outdoor landscape plants before a hard freeze to reduce chances of freeze damage
- Do a seed & material inventory.
- Clean flats or containers when the weather allows.
- Prepare new planting beds on pretty days, working in organic material, leaf mulch & compost.