Gardening in Ohio in January

Most years January will find the garden covered in a blanket of snow. If not snow, then definitely mud. The winds howl and blow and temperatures are often below freezing. It’s not a great time to be outside working in the gardens but it is the perfect time to plan for the gardening to come.

It’s always good to pause on the cusp of the new year, and try to put some words to what will be the focus of our Ohio gardens in the year ahead.

Things to do:

• If you want to prevent stretched, leggy seedlings you definitely don’t want to start them now. But you can determine which plants you want to grow. Grow most of your favorite flowers and most used foods but don’t be afraid to throw in something new to try.
• Order seeds early. I’m not sure why but onion seeds seem to go out of stock quickly at my favorite seed shops. Check your area for seed swaps. Seed swaps are often held in January. Be sure to check what seeds you already have. You will probably need to edit your list a few times since we all tend to order more than we have room to plant (Guilty!).
• Plan your garden. As you look outdoors from your windows think about what you want to see from the window during other seasons. Birdbaths, ponds, benches or specimen plants that will add color, pattern and interest NEXT winter. Review the photos you took of last season’s garden and rework your garden design. You did take photos, didn’t you? Pay special attention to areas that need more color or structure as you plan this years garden.
• Check your stored bulbs and veggies and discard any that are showing signs of rot. Mist them lightly if they seem to be drying out
• What garden goals do you have? Do you want to mow differently (as I started doing last year, making more semi-wild spots for insects and birds to enjoy), or otherwise invite more birds or other wildlife to the landscape?
• Will this be the year you add a water feature to the backyard? Whether in-ground or an easy, tub style water garden, now is the time to plan for it. Both financially and energy/time management wise.
• Water shrubs and evergreens during winter thaws if there is no snow around them. Water the ground around the plants, don’t fret if a little water gets on the leaves or branches but try to keep the bulk of the water on the ground.
• Snow is a good source of water and insulation on the garden. Don’t worry about piles of clean snow. Just let them be. In fact, if you want to move snow to an area that needs a bit of water that’s a free way to water shrubs and evergreens.
• Top up the bird feeders regularly. Feeding birds encourages them to keep coming around in the summer when they will help to keep the insect population down.
• You can gently brush heavy snow from evergreen branches if you worry that the weight will break the branches. Don’t bother trying to remove ice as the removal can do more harm than good.
• Service your power tools. Lawn movers, leaf blowers, roto-tillers. This way they will be ready for use in the spring. And you might get lucky and not be on a long repair wait-list if you get your machines in early.
• January is a good time to take care of your houseplants. Wipe the leaves to remove dust and allow the leaves to soak up more sunshine (when it shows its’ face). This is a good time, if your home is dry, to add humidity. Whether it’s a pot on the stove, a humidifier, or a layer of pebbles in the saucer under your plants. Humidity isn’t just good for your houseplants – it’s good for your skin too!
• Keep track of potential problem areas. Do you need to add a windbreak now that you see how winter treats your garden plants? Don’t plant tender plants in areas where snow blows away or melts quickly, areas where snow stays and stays aren’t great for spring-flowering plants. Waterlogged areas are best for plants who like their roots to be wet. Dry areas places that drain quickly are best for drought tolerant plants.
• Educate yourself. January is a great time to take a class or two. Lots of extension agencies, park systems, and local food growers offer classes in a wide variety of topics – there is even one in my area about mushroom growing! Now is the time to broaden your horizons.

What garden “chores” do you make time for in January?