Last year was a fantastic one for gardeners in central Texas.
During January and February we only have two cold mornings.
Spring started early, and the weather wasn't too outrageously hot
during the summer months. In addition the lakes were full and
watering restrictions were slightly loosened. So it was 'all systems
go' for gardeners!
Many of our readers have told us that 2017 was the best year that
they could remember: bountiful crops of tomatoes and all veggies,
and plants flourishing in their landscapes.
But here we are in January, a month where rapid fluctuations in
temperature are the norm. Within the last month we have had 85
degree days (Dec 4), and 79 degree days (Dec. 21), while with
the new year came temps that plunged us down to a low of 19
degrees yesterday. Plus. . . it has snowed twice.
Remember that this is a time of dormancy for your garden, a time
when we must do everything we can to discourage growth.
Avoid feeding plants, and avoid cutting plants back too soon. For
roses, wait until mid-February. If you have the urge to cut back
perennials such as lantana or firebush to tidy up the yard, be sure
to cut them back above the green wood. Otherwise, with your
clippers, you are sending the plant a message: it's time to start
growing.
What we can do is heap generous amounts of mulch around our
plants to protect the roots for when the cold weather arrives. Some
more things you can do in January:
1. Plant a fruit tree. Many fruit tree varieties will arrive in local
nurseries this month, and in February and March. Try apples,
peaches, plums, persimmons, and pears.
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2. Prepare spring vegetable garden. I would recommend the sol-
arization method to get rid of weeds. Till your garden with a mech-
anical tiller or a garden spade and water the area thoroughly. Cover
with a clear plastic film and secure the perimeter with rocks or soil.
The sun will raise the temperature in the garden soil to levels that
will kill weeds and seeds. Allow the film to stay on for a month to
six weeks. When removed, your garden will be weed free.
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3. Turn off sprinklers. Automatic lawn sprinklers should be set
at a minimum or simply turn them off. (Turf grass is dormant.)
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4. Plant a tree. There is still time. Maybe you purchased a living
tree for the holidays. Find that perfect spot, plant it and water it in.
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5. Catalog browsing. Find a comfortable armchair, and get to work!
January is a good time to look through garden and seed catalogs
to decide on varieties you want to grow this year. Starting a garden
journal is a simple way to keep track of what you plant and what
has been successful.
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6. Plant asparagus. Now is the time to prepare beds and plant.
Three year asparagus crowns will arrive in local nurseries early
this month. Beds should be dug deeply and filled with rich organic
compost. Three year crowns will put you closer to harvest than
seed grown.
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7. Onions are still possible. You still have the opportunity to pro-
duce large onions this year. Also you can plant turnips, collards,
and radishes. Happy gardening everyone!
