In Texas, Georgia, Florida, and other southern states, January may bring freezing temperatures or pleasant winter gardening weather. While crops under cold frames are still chugging along, the time to get crops for spring planting started has already arrived.
Vegetable and Herb Garden
If you’ve got cool-season crops still in the garden, they may be getting a bit tired. For crops like greens and kale, keep up regular harvesting of the outer leaves to encourage the plant to produce new growth. Watering needs are likely lower, so check the soil with your finger beforehand.
1.) Start seeds of peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes, as well as brassicas such as broccoli, leafy greens, and herbs indoors so they are ready for spring transplanting.
2.) In warmer regions, plant short-day and day-neutral types of onions.
3.) Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost in your vegetable garden, which insulates the soil against cold and slowly decomposes and releases nutrients for spring growth.
4.) Flower Beds, Perennials, and Ornamentals
If your ground isn’t frozen, January is the perfect time to create and prepare new beds. Remove the sod, loosen the soil, and add any amendments you need. Doing the prep work now is not only cooler, but you’ll be ready when any dormant roses and other bareroot ornamental plants you ordered arrive in the mail.
This month is also a good time to tackle any poison ivy in the yard, while it’s still comfortable to be wearing long sleeves, pants, and boots. And if you have kudzu, bamboo, or other invasive plants growing in your yard, cut them down as well while they’re dormant.
To-Do Checklist
1.) Finish up any winter pruning of deciduous ornamental trees, fruit trees, grapevines, and shrubs that bloom on new wood. Wait to prune spring‑flowering shrubs such as azaleas and flowering quince until after they finish blooming.
2.) If you haven’t done a soil test in a couple of years, do it now (via your local Extension Office) so you can add any nutrients that may be lacking before the growing season is in full swing.
3.) Get on the list for a delivery of compost. It’s okay if it sits in your yard for a month or two, but trying to get deliveries during the spring busy season can involve long delays.