January Garden Calendar

Vegetables and Fruits

Pick up and discard fallen fruit before spring arrives.
As nursery catalogs begin to arrive, look for plants with improved insect and disease resistance.
Order fruit trees

Flowers

Peruse seed catalogs and prepare your seed order.
Things you can start: For spring flowers, get unplanted spring bulbs in the ground as soon as possible.
Start seeds throughout the winter, depending on growing requirements.
Water fall planted perennials to prevent dry soil conditions.
Watch for signs of frost heaving and cover tender roots.
Replace mulch layers.
Check bulbs in storage for rot and decay. Discard damaged ones.
Curl up with a good book and learn more about gardening.

Lawns

Trees and Shrubs

Snow and ice on limbs:
- Gently brush heavy snow from tree and shrub limbs to reduce damage.
- Allow ice to melt naturally from limbs. Do not use water to melt the ice or attempt to knock it off.
Pruning:
- Prune storm damaged limbs quickly to reduce damage and prevent tearing of the bark.
- Avoid the temptation to prune on warm winter day. You'll prevent further damage.
- Bring twigs of flowering trees and shrubs indoors to force blossoms.
- Water fall planted trees and shrubs when soil is dry but not frozen.
- Watch out for rabbit damage to the bark of trees and shrubs.

Miscellaneous

Clean and repair garden tools during the winter.
Sand and seal tool handles to prevent splinters. Apply brightly colored paint to handles. It makes them easier to spot in the garden.
Keep bird feeders and water supplies filled for the feathered friends.
Evaluate the garden and make notes to assist in next year's planning.
Take photos of the garden and analyze for year-round interest.

Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.

Phone: (913) 715-7050