“January is the quietest month in the garden. But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean that nothing is happening.”— Rosalie Muller Wright
Now is the time for planning …
As you can’t be in the garden at this time of the year, it is a great time to organize and properly store your seed packets and be ready for spring! A shoe box works great. Use cardboard or card stock to label and separate. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place to maintain their viability. Be sure to review what seeds you have before purchasing new ones.
When stored properly, seeds in packets can last for several years. Flower seeds can last 2-5 years, and vegetable seeds can last 1-6 years. Check online for a ‘Seed Viability Chart’ for more specifics on how long seeds may be viable.
The best time to buy seeds for a spring garden is in January or February as this allows for the best selection. Seed catalogues are a wonderful thing for the gardener; so much to choose from. It is important to read the seed packet closely as there is a great deal of valuable information that will prevent you from planting in the wrong place or at the wrong time.
Selecting disease resistant or tolerant varieties is the easiest and most important way to reduce diseases in your vegetable garden. In seed catalogs, you will often see abbreviations describing the resistance of a variety to a particular disease. For example, VF means that the variety is resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts. PM means that the variety is resistant or tolerant to powdery mildew. Resistant varieties resist infection by a particular disease agent and show little or no disease. Tolerant varieties may show symptoms of the disease, but still yield the same as resistant varieties or susceptible varieties that are protected by pesticides.
What About Your Houseplants?
Your houseplants can be affected by winter stress factors such as fluctuating temperatures, dry air, reduced light. Keep your houseplants healthy by modifying their care during the winter months
Adjust Your Watering Routine
Most indoor plants need less water during the winter because they experience a slower rate of growth during colder months. Obviously, different plants have different watering needs. Surface soil may dry out more quickly, but that's not always a good indicator that the plant needs water. Push your finger into the soil about an inch or two to determine if it is dry, that is the time to water.
Alter Humidity Levels
Low humidity levels can be the biggest hurdle that houseplants must overcome during winter. The humidity level in your home can drop to 10 to 20% due to heating and most plants prefer humidity at around 50%. If you have a humidifier in your home, move your plants closer to its source. If you do not have a humidifier, you can raise the humidity level by clustering your plants in groups. Plants release water through their leaves, so grouping them together will put that moisture to good use. Bathrooms and kitchens are good places for plants, as those areas are generally more humid. Another option is to place your plants on humidity trays with pebbles or stones with water. Misting gives your plants immediate relief but does not do much to raise the humidity level after the initial misting.
Temperature
Most plants appreciate temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees and nighttime temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to keep plants away from cold drafts or sources of heat such as radiators or wood stoves. Major fluctuations in temperature do not benefit houseplants.
Follow the Sun
Winter not only provides fewer hours of sunlight, but the rays come in at lower angles. You may need to consider where your plant is and what their sun needs are. Generally, a good spot is a south-or west-facing window that remains sunny all day. Don't place plants too close to a frosty window as they might get a draft. Be sure to rotate the pots whenever you water to ensure that all sides receive some sun and grow evenly. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and as needed.
Book Recommendation:
Galia’s Garden by Toby Hemenway
An eye-opening look at how to restore the natural cycles that may have been broken by conventional landscape design. Galia’s Garden outlines the importance and practicality of creating a home ecosystem that allows nature to do most of the work.
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