1. Perennial pruning. The December cold spell and the recent
freezes should have frozen back all perennials. Cut your native and
adaptive perennials back to a few inches above the ground and mulch.
Mixing some organic compost with the mulch will assure some nutri-
tion to build beautiful new growth this spring
2. Turn off sprinklers. Automatic lawn sprinklers should be set at
a minimum or simply turn them off. (Turf grass is dormant.)
3. 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.
4. Prepare spring vegetable garden. I would recommend the solar-
ization method to get rid of weeds. Till your garden with a mechani-
cal 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.
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.
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 com-
post. 3 year crowns will put you closer to harvest than seed grown.
7. Onions are still possible. You still have the opportunity to produce
large onions this year. Also you can plant turnips, collards, and radishes.
8. Prune your shrubs. Cut them back, but avoid any that will bloom
in the spring. (Prune them after they bloom.)
9. 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. Happy gardening everyone!
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