January Gardening Tips

As we move into the New Year, it is essential to understand that a new year means a new beginning! You will want to begin 2024 with a fresh start! While you are setting goals and resolutions for your physical fitness, health, and finances, a fresh start should also carry over into the garden. Even though it is cold outside, there is plenty to do in the garden that can get you off on the right foot for 2024! Continue reading for our January Gardening Tips!

Cut back all perennials

Be sure to do this before it gets too cold to be outside. By now, all your perennials are wilted over and have turned yellow or brown. Cut these perennials back to the ground.

Add a covering of mulch

Putting down a bed of mulch or pine straw is not only for aesthetics but serves a fundamental purpose. Mulch will give the root ball of your plants and shrubs the insulation needed to survive the cold months ahead. You should also mulch over the perennials that you just cut back. You don’t want to leave them susceptible to the below-freezing temperatures.

Tend to the fruit trees

Don’t forget about these guys! First, clean up around the root ball and trunks of all fruit trees. Remove all debris like old foliage and twigs, as this can breed fungus and insects! After removing all debris, dress the root ball with mulch or pine straw.

Test your soil

Get a jump on your gardening by getting your soil tested early. It may be due to your soil pH if you have been experiencing difficult growing conditions. Contact your local agriculture extension for soil test kits and costs.

Prepare your garden beds

Once you know what your soil pH is and what your soil may be lacking, begin amending the soil. If you aren’t fighting snow on the ground, till your soil and work in products that will add necessary nutrients to the soil.

Start visualizing your spring garden

Since you have a little downtime (when it comes to tending to your garden or yard), begin visualizing, organizing, and planning what you want to accomplish in your garden for the upcoming year. Research what plants and trees will work best for your yard, and get creative with your design!

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