The colder months are the perfect time to plan for the coming planting season.
Well, January is upon us, and spring begins on Friday, March 20, only 79 days away!
The colder months are the perfect time to plan for the coming planting season.
January is also National Garden Catalogue Month, so I am sure you will be receiving many of these guides in the mail.
Spend some quality time researching and planning for the upcoming season now.
There are some January garden jobs that can be done on nice days.
January is a good time to clean your old clay pots.
To remove dirt and salt deposits, clean them in a vinegar solution.
Use one part white vinegar to three to four parts water, though some sources suggest a 1-to-1 ratio if the pots are extremely soiled or have tougher stains.
Simply remove loose dirt and grime, then soak the pots in the solution for 20-30 minutes. Then use a soft brush and scrub them and then rinse thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the vinegar solution.
Allow the pots to air dry thoroughly for at least 48 hours to prevent mold.
This is also a good time to clean all your gardening tools before using them for the upcoming growing season.
After cleaning them with the same vinegar solution (as recommended on Page 8), allow them to dry for a day or so.
When they are cleaned and dry, sharpen the shovels, hoes, pruners and any other equipment for the upcoming growing season with a broad file or grinder.
Keep leaves and debris raked-up and if possible compost them.
Now is a good time to prune deciduous trees, since the leaves are off and you can see the branch structure more clearly.
Prune anything that is weak, broken or that rubs or crosses and branches growing inward rather than outward.
Be sure to keep outdoor evergreen plants watered and do not allow them to dry out.
These plants are not dormant and even though they are growing at a snail’s pace, they need moisture, but never allow them to sit in water.
Remember, if nature doesn’t provide the rain you must water, checking them every 14 days.
Use deer and rabbit repellents to protect your landscape plants.
Treat every 30 days and, if possible, use an alternative type.
This keeps the animals wary and possibly keeping them from entering your property if you keep changing up the repellents.
You can also hang up Irish Spring bars of soap using strings on any desirable trees and large shrubs. The smell keeps them away.
To keep your holiday plants growing, healthy and lasting longer, here are a few tips.
Consider the optimum temperatures for each plant.
For example, Christmas cactus, cyclamen and kalanchoe prefer 50-55 degrees F. Poinsettia likes 55-60 degrees F, and Amaryllis prefers a temperature window at 60-65 degrees F.
Remember, indirect light for all these plants is best. Never put them in direct, full sun or southern exposure.
All these plants are heavy feeders and benefit from using a water soluble fertilizer like 20-30-20, only when the soil is dry to touch.
Having this solution pre-mixed in a gallon jug at room temperature is better for the plants.
Be sure to keep all blooming plants away from all drafts (both heat and cold), and away from any ripening fruit as the ethylene gas emitted by the fruit will shorten the life of all plants.
One final thought: Remember Amaryllis and Poinsettia plants can be kept indoors until summer and then they can be placed outdoors under shade trees with filtered light all summer long.
You then bring them back in the beginning of September to begin the re-blooming process again.
Check all tropical indoor plants weekly for insect issues.
Spider mites and mealy bugs can be present during this time of year, because home temperatures and the lack of humidity.
Occasionally misting or placing them in the shower will greatly benefit your plants health.
To further prevent any insect problems, consider using a pesticide like Bonide Systemic Granules Insect Control.
This is a granular insecticide that provides long-lasting protection against common pests like aphids, whiteflies, scale and others.
It is effective for up to eight weeks and recommended for all house plants, but do not use this product on edible plants, like herbs or vegetables.
Have a wonderful new year and I hope 2026 is your best yet!
(Editor’s note: Ken Morgan is the owner of Robin’s Nest Floral and Garden Center in Easton, Md.)
