January may feel like a quiet time in the garden, but it’s the perfect month to set the foundation for a successful year of growth. Whether you’re tending to houseplants, planning your spring garden, or caring for your outdoor spaces during the colder months, there’s plenty to do to keep your green thumb active. This month’s January gardening checklist will guide you through essential tasks to maintain your garden’s health and prepare for the coming seasons. From organizing your seeds to protecting overwintering plants, let’s make the most of this restful yet productive time.
January Gardening Checklist:
ANNUALS:
-Order seeds now for best selection. Highly coveted varieties sell out fast, so now is the time to buy. Consider using SEEDSNOW! for the best quality , non GMO seeds.
-Gather seed starting materials: seedling mix, seed flats with covers, plant labels etc
-Set up your seed starting area, even just a designated table will do. If you plan on using grow lights you may need to have a specific area in mind.
Amazon Favorites:
- Bonviee 5 Packs Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light, Elevated Seedling Starter Trays Kits
- KINGLAKE 100 Pcs 6 x10cm Plastic Plant T-Type Tags Nursery Garden Labels
BULBS:
-Force any indoor bulbs into bloom for some winter cheer. Paperwhites and Amaryllis are great options.
-For more detailed care on Amaryllis bulbs check out our related article: Amaryllis: Ultimate Guide to Growing This Beautiful Winter Bloom
Amazon Choice:
- Waxed Amaryllis Bulb – Christmas Red Wax, Red Blooms – Easy Care
- 10 ‘Ziva’ Paperwhites Flower Bulbs 14/15cm Bulbs
PERENNIALS + ORNAMENTAL GRASSES:
-Do a walk through of your garden and be on the lookout for animal damage, winter damage and any frost damage.
-Order perennial seeds but make sure you find the varieties that are easy to start from seed. Examples being: Foxglove, Penstemon and Columbine.
GROUNDCOVERS:
-Water broadleaf evergreen groundcovers if temperatures are above freezing and it’s sunny and windy. They will dry out in these conditions.
-Apply repellant to any damaged groundcover areas.
Amazon Favorite:
SHRUBS:
-Take stock of areas in the yard that need more evergreen shrubs for next season.
-Water shrubs if weather conditions are windy, dry and below freezing.
-Prune any crape myrtles now. Remove small branches or twigs. Only prune for tidiness and size not a hard cut back.
TREES:
-Prune dormant trees. Try to ensure clean cuts. Remove any cross branches, branches that are growing straight up, branches that are growing inward toward the center and any small twigs forming.
-Shape shade or ornamental trees but do not top any trees.
TURFGRASS:
-Stay off the lawn this month to avoid compacting soil or damaging grass.
VEGETABLES + HERBS:
-Order seeds now to be ready and also to shop any new varieties – SEEDSNOW!
-Based on last years harvest plan your garden with what you actually want to eat. If you plan on canning or freezing any produce then be sure to double or triple that space allocated.
VINES:
-Just like ground covers and shrubs, be sure to water evergreen vines if conditions have been sunny and windy. These conditions will cause drying and wind burn.
-Check your allamanda and mandevilla if you’ve been overwintering them indoors. Pick off any dead leaves and make sure soil is barely moist. If white flies are present be sure to drench them in a cold shower.
With these January gardening checklist complete, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving garden in the months ahead. Remember, winter is not just a time of dormancy—it’s a time for planning, preparing, and nurturing the roots of your garden dreams. By staying on top of seasonal care and organization, you’ll ensure your plants are ready to bloom when the warmer weather arrives. Here’s to a year filled with growth, beauty, and joy in your garden! 🌱
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