January is not just the beginning of a new calendar year, it is also the beginning of a new gardening year! We always have some clear cold days and this can be an ideal time to get out into the garden and get some tasks completed that were neglected last year and also it is a time to think about the upcoming garden season. I am already giving some thought to new plants that I want to add to my garden, and I like the motto, there is always room for one more plant!
Here Are Some Garden Tips for the Month
Drainage
After a rain, walk around the garden and observe any places where there is standing water. This can be an indication of a drainage issue. Drainage issues are not as obvious in the summer, but they can still be a factor. There are many plants that will not survive if the roots are in standing water. January is a good month to make necessary corrections. It might be making a narrow path for water to escape or it could be necessary to work some pumice or perlite into the soil.
Plant leftover bulbs
If you have some spring flowering bulbs, (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc), that did not get planted, do so now. If the bulbs are firm and not soft, they are still viable. They will not survive if they are left unplanted, and while they will probably bloom later than their usual time they should still bloom.
Lawn mower tune up & tool cleaning
This is an ideal time to get the lawn mower tuned up. Getting it done now and your mower will be ready when the grass mowing season begins. Clean and oil pruners. Rubbing alcohol works well as a cleanser.
Prune holly
January is a good month to prune holly. Holly plants often grow somewhat symmetrical, but any broken or dead branches should be removed. If your plant has gotten too large for the space it is in, this is also a good time to transplant it.
Zenport, 8.5" Bypass Hand Pruning Shear
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Get Pruning Tips Tree Pruning Guide
Plants under eaves
We have usually received winter rain and it can be easy to forget about plants that are under the eaves of a house. Check the soil around these plants, they may need to be watered.
Primroses
Depending on the weather, primrose plants may be arriving in garden centers, and they can give some nice color as well as having a delightful fragrance. The flowers come in almost any color and can create a beautiful display when planted in a mass. Plant some in a pot by an entryway or outside a window where they are visible from the house. Have some kind of protection, blanket, tarp, etc., to throw over them if a frost is expected.
Corona, Comfort Garden Trowel, CT3010i
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Slugs
Once again, depending on the weather, be on the lookout for slugs. On a sunny day, they may be out munching and they love primroses. Appropriate baiting may be necessary.
Looking for Slug & Snail Solutions? Read more here
Corry's Slug & Snail Killer, 1.75 lb.
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Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer, 2.5 lbs.
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Feed the birds
Don’t forget to feed the birds. I like to use sunflower hearts because there is no mess, and they attract a variety of birds. Suet cakes are also a good winter source of food. If you have been feeding hummingbirds, be sure to bring the feeder inside on cold nights so it does not freeze. These birds may have become dependent on you feeding them, so don’t suddenly stop.
January is also a good month to think about what additions you want to add to your garden. In just a few weeks, garden centers will have roses, fruit trees, berries, grapes, etc and now is a good time preparing a place for them. This is an excellent month to do some necessary ‘editing’ in the garden in preparation for spring. There is always something to do in the garden and on a cold and crisp January day, working in the garden can be quite delightful.
MIKE’S GARDEN IS LOCATED IN OREGON’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND HIS ADVICE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE MILD CLIMATE THERE.
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