Gardening Notes for January

Things to do: Outdoors

• Cut branches of winter blooming shrubs such as Witch hazels (Hamamelis hybrids), to force indoors.
If snow is absent, cut back Hellebore Hybrids (Helleborus x hybridus) towards the end of January. A warm February can promote the start of blooming and it is easier to remove the foliage when no buds are present.

Start to evaluate pruning needs. Typically, most pruning is completed in February and March. January is the time to determine the amount of pruning, but there is no harm in beginning structural work on small trees and shrubs. All rubbing or potentially rubbing branches should be removed as well as any necessary shaping. Suckers (vigorous shoots originating from the roots) and water sprouts (shoots originating from branches) can now be removed.

Repair fences - broken or weak arbors, fences and trellis should be repaired this month as you will only be busier in the coming months. These items can be damaged by winter weather conditions so be sure to walk around your property and check their integrity.

Remove snow from hedges and tightly grown plants to prevent breakage. Likewise, shovel snow onto garden beds to aid insulation. Just make sure it doesn't include de-icing salts, which can contaminate soil.

Watch sunshine patterns - the sunniest areas melt the snow first – which makes for the perfect spot for early blooming bulbs and hardy annuals.

Indoors

Plan your vegetable and annual gardens. As you read seed catalogues, keep your design handy so you do not buy more seed than is needed. (Ha!)

Take note of the winter bones of the garden. During the calm of winter, give thought to improvements that can be made once the hectic spring season arrives.

Take care of your tools. Sharpen, clean, oil and otherwise repair saws and pruners. Sharpen the cutting edge of spades and lawnmower blades, repair the handles of shovels and wheelbarrows or any other tool placed on the “to be fixed' pile.

Create a list of tools to purchase that are beyond repair.

Check any potted plants that you have in a warm a garage or basement for watering needs. Keep them dry so they do not begin to push vigorous growth.

Recommended Resources:

Websites:
A.M. Leonard - Gardening supplies - https://www.amleo.com
A Way to Garden - Resource for gardeners of all levels - https://awaytogarden.com
Fine Gardening - https://www.finegardening.com
Missouri Botanical Gardens - Plant ID, Plant Finder, etc.- http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org Rutgers Agricultural - List of deer resistant plants - https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants

App:
Plantnet - App for plant identification