Lafayette County Master Gardeners: January Gardening Calendar

by Bronwynne Bailey

Now that our holiday celebrations have ended, we turn our attentions back to the garden. There are lots of garden chores we can perform to improve our properties and set up for spring planting.

January Gardening Calendar

Planning

Record any plans on paper for changes or improvements in the garden. This will help you avoid mistakes and save time, effort, and money.
Order seeds early for planting because companies may run out of the more popular varieties.

Planting

Set out dormant trees and shrubs. Container, bare-root, and balled-and-burlapped (B&B) plants are all available this time of year. Your planting site should be well-drained. Place plants at or slightly above the existing soil level.
Plant onions, poppies, and larkspur.

Fertilizing

Apply lime to lawns if a soil test analysis recommends (any month).

Pest Control

Spray dormant oil for scale control on broad-leaved evergreens and fruit trees.

Pruning

Remove dead, diseased, or broken limbs on all trees.
Lightly trim shrubs if they are creating a hazard.
Dispose of clippings to prevent spread of disease or insect issues.

Miscellaneous

Keep bird feeders stocked. Provide water for birds.
Collect scion wood for grafting and store in a cool, dry place.
Protect tender plants during periods of extreme cold.

Home Accent

Collect winter berries and tree needles for a winter potpourri. Mahonia and aucuba will root in water indoors and provide color from the outdoors.
A small amount of sugar in the water will help prevent cut holly branches from losing berries. Wash and dust leaves of house plants.
Inspect house plants for insects and diseases. Treat as needed with a safe indoor insecticide and fungicide.