Happy New Year! The holiday season is behind us and our thoughts now turn to the upcoming garden season.  Now is the time to plan and prepare for the spring gardening season.

If a soil test recommended adding lime to the garden, this is the time to do so. Lime takes several months to alter the soil pH, so adding it now will provide time to “work its magic” before the growing season. This would also be a good time to prepare your garden tools for the spring garden season. Sharpen your pruners, loopers or any other cutting tools. Finally, now is the time to change the oil in your motorized garden equipment.

If you are concerned about controlling winter broadleaf weeds, it is best to do so with a broadleaf herbicide. These are most effective when applied on warm days. Please be sure to read and follow label directions. If there are fallen leaves on the lawn, grind them up with your lawn mower instead of bagging and placing them on the curb. Those leaves can provide nutrients to your lawn.

This is also the time to mulch your landscape beds. It is best to apply two to three inches of mulch. Be sure not to pile mulch around the base of the tree or plants. This is known as “volcano mulching”. This practice is NOT healthy and can lead to the death of the tree. Do not forget to water plants right before a cold snap is predicted, as this will aid plants in surviving extreme winter temperatures.

Assess your houseplants and assure they are being correctly watered. Check for insect infestations and diseases. Be sure to remove dust from the leaves. This will help keep the leaf pores open.

January is also a good time to start cool season vegetables indoors from seeds. We have publications that can help you select which cool season vegetables grow best in this area. Extension is always here for you if you have any garden questions. Please give us a call at 901-752-1207. We are happy to assist you!

Photo Credit: Julie Morgan TEMG 2004