AgriLife Extension’s January Garden Guide

If you're still contemplating your New Year's resolutions or have already decided to forego the typical promises like hitting the gym more, why not consider investing time into your gardening skills? Larry Stein, a horticulture specialist at AgriLife Extension, has some fantastic ideas for resolutions that revolve around gardening as well as some excellent yard and landscape tips specifically tailored for January. Whether it's planning your vegetable gardens, tending to perennials in your landscape, or preparing for annuals, there are numerous actionable steps you can commit to right now that will ensure your garden flourishes throughout the growing season. Gardening also offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Stein suggests that even light gardening and yard work can actually burn around 300 calories an hour, which means a quick workout session right in your backyard. Moreover, the stress-reducing and mental health-improving effects of gardening make it a fantastic hobby to delve into. Now is the perfect time to focus on planning how to maximize rainwater throughout the year. By thinking ahead, you can mitigate the impact of drought and shield your plants from water restrictions during the scorching summer months. Capturing water is key, and implementing a simple water catchment system, such as placing a 5-gallon bucket to collect rainwater, can make a significant difference in your garden's water conservation. Despite the mild winter, gardeners need to be alert to unexpected and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can endanger vulnerable landscape plants. An 85-degree day followed by an 18-degree morning pose a challenge for plants, so ensure they are well-watered leading up to such conditions. Stein also advises continuing to water and fertilize cool-weather annuals like snapdragons, stocks, and pansies for optimal blooms. Furthermore, it's a great time to transplant dormant trees and shrubs and select medium-sized plants rather than the largest ones for faster establishment in your landscape. As you prepare for the upcoming planting season, consider sowing certain flower and vegetable seeds in flats or containers to jump-start their growth. Lastly, carefully assess your evergreens for signs of pest infestation and plan for the seasonal care of herbaceous perennials and semi-tropical plants. Keeping a watchful eye on your garden, making informed choices, and taking timely action will ensure a vibrant and thriving outdoor space.