January Plant Checklist

With the arrival of the new year, it’s an ideal moment to get ready for a satisfying and fruitful gardening season on the horizon. Here’s how to nurture your garden in January, making it a time of growth and inspiration:

Week 1 - Create a To-Do List:

Staying engaged with your projects helps shorten the long winter nights. Staying busy is the best medicine for your health and well-being. Making a list of projects and then prioritizing them will keep you mentally sharp, and the anticipation of spring gives hope during those cold days and nights. 

Stock up on mulch, soil amendments, and fertilizers to be ready for spring planting. Off-season items are at their lowest prices, and you can gather supplies at a fraction of the cost. Our  SR-18-5-10 slow-release fertilizer is on sale for $9.99 for a one-pound bag.

Week 2 - Get a Tool Plan:

Maintaining a well-stocked and functional gardening area requires proactive maintenance, which includes examining gardening tools and making a list of items that need to be repaired or replaced.

Hand Tools:

Blades: Are they worn down, damaged, or showing signs of rust? Having sharp blades is key for making clean cuts that keep your plants safe and healthy. 

Handles: Look for any cracks, splinters, or if they feel a bit wobbly. Wooden handles may require a gentle touch with sandpaper or a bit of oil to keep them smooth, while plastic handles should be inspected for any signs of brittleness. 

Joints: Make sure that the moving parts, such as scissors or pruners, glide open and shut effortlessly, free from any stiffness or sticking.

Big Tools:

Metal Parts: Check for rust, bending, or wear that might affect how well they work. Check your cart or wheelbarrows wheels, frames, and trays for any signs of rust, flat tires, or cracks. Check your engines and motors for any leaks, clogs, or strange sounds while in operation. Make sure all safety guards and switches are working properly. 

Handles: Check for sturdiness; think about swapping them out if you notice any wear or tear. Fasteners: Check that screws, bolts, and rivets are snug and none are lost.

Week 3 - Inspect trees and shrubs for any winter storm damage

Inspect trees and shrubs for any winter storm damage. Take the time to check out all your leafy trees and bushes to see if any could use a little care to help them grow strong and look their best. Without the leaves at this time of year, it’s simpler to observe your work.

Week 4 - Budget and Purchase Your Plants for Your Garden

Planning your garden for the new year is an exciting time, and January is the perfect moment to take action. Here’s why getting an early start on budgeting and purchasing your plants is crucial:

Access to the Best Quality Plants: Nurseries fill their inventory with the brightest, liveliest plants right at the start of the year. When you buy in January, you’re getting the very first treasures of the season—plants that are fresh and untouched. As the year goes on, you might find that choices become scarce, and the quality of what’s available may not be as good.

Beat the Rush: As spring draws near, the excitement for plants blossoms. By getting your plants early, you can skip the worry of racing against other gardeners for those sought-after varieties. This is particularly crucial for popular plants that often disappear from the shelves in no time.

Budget-Friendly Planning: January is a wonderful moment to set aside your gardening funds. Garden centers frequently provide special deals or perks for those who shop early, allowing you to save some coins while picking out the finest plants. Thinking ahead helps you focus on what really matters and steer clear of those tempting, last-minute buys.

More Time for Planning and Preparation: Once your plants are purchased, you have ample time to prepare your garden. Whether that means amending soil, setting up irrigation, or designing your layout, you’ll be ready to plant as soon as the weather allows.