Gardening in January: A Planning Guide

Even though the weather is still cold if not downright frozen, there is plenty that you can do to get ready for Spring. Gardening in January doesn’t really consist of too much down and dirty work in the flower beds. This is more a time for planning. If you love gardening but find that you are far from organized, take this time to start your own personal gardening journal. Any journal with lined pages will do.

What to Record

• Plant orders from last year
• What plants thrived and what plants failed
• Which plants bloomed in which month and for how long
• What plants you want to order this year and how many of them to purchase
• Draw out a plan for your flower beds and vegetable gardens

Cold Northern Climates

If you are in an especially cold climate (USDA Hardiness Zone 6 or lower), take the break from actual gardening to take inventory of your gardening supplies. This is a great time to order extra string for your edger, replace broken rakes, or sharpen dull clippers.

Warm Southern Climates

For those of you who live in warmer climates (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 or higher), talk to your local nursery about what cold season plants you can start growing. Petunias, geraniums, and even some vegetables can thrive under these weather conditions as long as heavy frosts and freezes are behind you. This is also the ideal time to rake up old mulch and replace it with new mulch.

Keep in mind that every region and climate is different. This is why it is always a good idea to consult with a local expert at your nursery about which plants are appropriate for each season. Even within the same USDA Hardiness Zones, specific climates and growing conditions can vary greatly.