The new year is finally here and we are fully into winter's slumber in the garden. My garden typically starts to come to life in early to mid March, so I know I have 8 to 10 weeks of time for planning and dreaming about greener, warmer times to come.
One of best parts of early January is that the seed and plant catalogs that I've ordered have begun to arrive. This is the best means for selecting and obtaining unique varieties of plants and seeds for next season. The brilliant part of this is that you can order now, and based on your address, they'll send them to you when the time is right for your growing zone to start them. This year, I do plan to start some plants from seed again, so I'll be looking to pick out 3 or so special varieties to start in mid to late March indoors.
Last year I grew Poppies, Larkspur, Echinacea, Zinnias, and Marigolds from seed. I tried to select heirloom varieties that would allow for seed collection in order to spread them over time. This year, I have not quite decided on the varieties but am looking at Phlox, Queen Anne's Lace, Sweet Violets, and Salvia. I don't have the best indoor seed growing conditions (not a lot of sun coming in the house) but with my work-from-home life seeming to extend into this year, I can chase the sun around the house with my seed trays.
When I pick out seeds, I try to look for heirloom varieties, plants that produce seeds, or those that self sow. It's not too late to order catalogs or shop online, but for the best choices, try to order by the end of January. You can check out my list of favorite catalogs here: https://ahcooney.wixsite.com/ahcgardens/post/getting-prepared-winter-garden-planning
My other big January task, is to begin designing a new garden bed for my front yard that includes our gas lamp post. Currently, this has an elderly Rose, a Peony, and two enormous Grasses in it. Like most existing parts of my new garden, I decided last year to let that bed sit for year to give me a chance to see what happened there and to decide what I'd keep and what would go. I've reached the conclusion that the rose and one of the grasses will be dug up (I'll likely replant the grass elsewhere), and I'll keep the Peony in place.
This bed is full sun but not one I want to spend much time watering. I'll begin my research and planning this month to select plants that are somewhat drought tolerant but will add color and interest to this very prominent corner of the property.
These cold winter months are a perfect time to plan in order to hit the ground running in the spring and to get the best plant selections. In order to do this effectively, understanding the light conditions in your yard is vital to selecting the right plants. If you haven' already, you can learn more about sun-mapping your garden here: https://ahcooney.wixsite.com/ahcgardens/post/sun-mapping-how-to-pick-the-right-plants-for-your-garden
Happy planning and Happy New Year!
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