What to Do with Your Garden in January
14 January, 2022 by Ana
Spring might not be around the corner just yet, so there’s still time to rest before the growing seasons. However, don’t get too cozy because you only have a few weeks before real gardening work begins and, while Jack Frost does his thing, there are plenty of things to do in the garden and keep you busy during January.
If you want to know what to do with and for your backyard this month, continue reading and find out how we prepare and easily get into the gardening mood again.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
We are not big fans of cutting down trees to decorate and then, after Christmas, discard. Planting a pine tree is a fantastic idea, especially if you love decorating your backyard during Christmas. You can also opt for the plastic version, a very affordable option you will enjoy for many years, or a Christmas tree in a pot, which you can replant after the celebrations.
If your Christmas is not the same without the traditional tree, don’t discard it in January! Instead, recycle it! Some people use the branches as plant supports for their broad beans or peas or even shred them, using the chippings as compost. It’s fantastic for ericaceous plants like blueberries.
Start Planning
If you have big growing season dreams for this year, we advise you to start planning right away. To make things easier, dedicate a notebook to your gardening plans and begin drawing out a plan for each month. You can also use your phone or computer and write notes in your calendar if a dedicated garden notebook seems too old-fashioned for you.
Planning can be fun and relaxing. You can sit back with a hot drink or a glass of wine and enjoy planning on your patio. Seed catalogs, old gardening books, interesting blog posts, all of these can be a great inspiration. However, always be realistic with your plans, and, when choosing your seeds, consider your type of soil, local weather, and personal time.
Check & Clean Everything
Whether your greenhouse, tools, gardening gadgets, pots, or other utensils need a thorough check and cleaning session, January is the best month for this job. We know it’s not the most entertaining or glamorous of tasks, but there is no other way to prepare for a productive growing season.
Some of your tools might not work properly or have been damaged by the bad weather. In this case, make sure you fix or replace them. You don’t want March to arrive and find you unprepared, do you? If you need a new sprinkler, for instance, the Carpathen Garden Sprinkler 360 Rotating is an excellent choice. It’s customizable according to the needs of your lawn and garden, made of high-end materials, fast to install, easy to use, and has an affordable price. Definitely a great choice for both newbies and experienced gardeners. Just check it out!
Sort Through Your Seeds
Before ordering new seeds, make sure you sort through the ones you already have. You might still have some in leftover packs or others collected from your own plants. But, with the viability of old seeds varying, not all of them have the same lifespan.
Some, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, can be viable for more than five years, while others, like carrots, might only be good for one year. So, make sure your seeds are good to grow! And, no matter their lifespan, they must always be stored in an airtight container if possible and in a dark, cool, dry place.
Start Sowing
If you want to plant something that requires a longer growing season, like peppers and chilies, you can start them now, in January. However, you will need a bright and warm place, like a heated greenhouse.
Seeds can take between 8 and 21 days to germinate and, once you see the seedlings growing their leaves, you can start planting them individually. A 9cm pot is a perfect choice and, of course, the soil must be continuously moist.
Care for the Wildlife
Winter is difficult for wildlife, so, if you want to keep birds around the garden, a bird-feeding station is a great choice. Just don't forget to ensure it is regularly topped up and water is always fresh. If the temperatures are lower, check it once in a while to see if it’s frozen. And if you have a frozen fish pond, try to melt the ice gently, using hot water, instead of smashing it. You don’t want to shock or even kill the fish! And, don’t worry about the hot water, they won’t be harmed, since, during winter, they tend to stay at the bottom of the pond.
Also, always keep in mind that, if your lawn is blanketed by heavy snow or frost, no matter what activity you are engaging in, avoid walking on it as you might damage the grass beneath!
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