January Gardening Tips for the Northeast
Looking to protect your perennials from the cold temperatures?
“Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes,
it is a triumph of hope over experience.”
Marina Schinz
Gardeners in the Northeast Region of the U.S. may find themselves clinging to hope this month. January is cold and it is easy to forget all that spring has to offer in just a few months.
Check out the following gardening tips below to help keep yourself busy this during January’s chill.
January Gardening Tips
Landscaping Tips
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends to that shake off unsupported branches of trees that are covered with snow.
- If the branches are supported, the snow will act as a protected to the harsh winter winds and temperatures.
- Make sure that you do not walk on the same parts of your lawn too often. Too much traffic can actually cause bald spots.
Fruit and Vegetable Tips
- If your green thumb is itching, you can start the slowest growing plants by seeding them indoors. Slow growing plants include, parsley, thyme, and tarragon.
Perennial and Annual Tips
- Give your perennials some protection from the cold temperatures for free by simply dumping the newly shoveled snow on top of them. Just make sure that there isn’t any salt in the snow.
- Better Homes and Gardens recommends to use the branches from your discarded Christmas tree and spread them over your perennials for another form of winter mulch.
General Gardening Tips
- Spring Planning: Take some of that optimism and start planning your spring garden. It will be helpful to research the different types of plants and flowers that are available in your area. For more tips on planning your spring garden, please see, Spring Gardening Planning – 4 Tips When Planning Your Spring Garden.
- Poinsettias: Did someone give you a poinsettia plant over the holidays? Learn how to keep them alive longer by reading, How to Care For Poinsettias This Holiday Season.
Summary
The winter’s chill does not have to keep you from keeping your garden up to speed when you live in the Northeast. From landscaping tips to general gardening, these tips will help keep you busy this month and help you to start planning your spring garden.
Find out which flowers, shrubs, and trees are best for your area by knowing which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you live in. Check out, How to Understand Gardening Zones, for more information.
