As a cosmopolitan gardener you come to realize that January is a slow month. There is snow on the ground. It is cold outside. You just want to curl up Sit in front of the fire place watch tv and drink hot chocolate. Still there are things you could do during January to help your garden. January is the month you start planning for your spring garden. You plan and prepare now for the future.
These are the things you want to do during this month.
1.- Start Your seed Order
Start looking at catalogs to buy seeds. There are companies that have many sells now. If you order now your seeds now you will get the bests variety for your unique gardening location and needs. Today many websites offered catalogs on line. Browse them. You have time. Early ordering also leaves you with enough time to seek seeds from different sellers and prices.
2.- Test the seeds you have at home.
Start testing your seeds. You have them. Once you have grouped the seeds. It is a good idea to test them. Take around 5 seeds put them in a small plastic bag with a moist wet paper towel in a warm place. Check every 2 days to see if the seeds will sprout. Seeds last from 2 to 5 years. There is no need to test all of them.
3.- Look for places to exchange seeds and for seeds libraries.
This is the time to look for seeds’ libraries or place in the internet to swap seeds. It is a way to save money and get more seeds. You can share excess seeds that you don’t need and get new seeds.
4.- Find out about local gardening groups
Finding local garden group. It is a great way to meet other gardeners, to exchange information about gardening. This is a great way to learn about program, community garden, and many other organization in the gardening field.
5- Protect perennials.
Use the Christmas tree to protect perennials. Place the branches on top of the perennials. It will be extra protection for the plants.
6.- Use preserved and frozen products from stored crops.
Use the frozen vegetables and fruits to make jams and different dishes. Make use of all the products you have in the freezer. Ow much seeds
7.- Get some gardening books
There are so many things you want to learn how to do preserving vegetables, learning to canning, reading about other gardening. By getting gardening books you will have the information now and for future reference.
8.- Do an inventory of all the seeds
Soon it is time to start those seeds indoors. Before you do anything make an inventory. Make a list of the seeds you have and a list of the things you need to buy. And a list of the tools you have and need. It will come handy when you are ready to start your garden.
9.- Start planning and drawing of your garden for the spring
It is time to start planning your garden use a graph paper to draw the ideal garden. Plant only the things you want to grow that you think you will eat. Drawing your garden will give you an idea of how many seeds you will need for your garden. It will give you and idea of how big your garden is going to be.
10.- Think about starting alliums and an herb garden.
Herbs s and Alliums like garlic, scallions, shallot, leeks, chives, are very easy to grow. However, some of them require a long growing period before spring transplanting. It is a good idea to start the herbs by the end of January indoors.
