January To Do

Planting- Vegetables to plant from transplants include broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, collards, and lettuce.  Seeds can still be sown for lettuce, radish, and carrots.  Look for fruiting plants such as blueberries and black berries; it is a good time to get them established.

Focus on cool season color such as pansies and violas, snapdragons, and dianthus.  Get green Foxgloves, hollyhocks, larkspur, poppies, and delphiniums in your beds now for a gorgeous Spring show.

Water- Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Containers also need more frequent water than plants in the ground.  Watch for drought stress between rain showers

Pests- Loopers and Aphids are on the prowl.  Keep a close eye on plants and catch them early.  Treat with the least toxic method possible.  Find and squish loopers or treat with organic BT.  Spray away aphids with a strong stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap.

Lawns- Keep fallen leaves raked up so lawn grasses can receive adequate sunlight.  Reuse leaves in beds as mulch or add to compost bins.

Birds- Keep bird baths scrubbed and filled with clean water.  Keep seed in feeders fresh.  After rain check for moist or damp seed, replace promptly to keep birds healthy and happy.  Continue to put out suet cakes for high energy winter snacks.

Freezes- Keep an eye on the weather and stay informed on night time lows.  Have frost cloth on hand for light frosts.  If the temperature drops below 32 double wrap tender plants to ensure proper insulation.  Avoid using plastic against foliage, but it can be used as the second exterior layer when covering plants. Remove plastic during the day.  TIP: Heavy duty clothespins or spare bricks can be used to secure and weights down cloths.