January and February are key months for planning and prepping your organic garden. Even though it might be too cold to plant outdoors, there are many tasks you can tackle to ensure a successful growing season. Here’s a list of things to do during these winter months to get your organic garden ready.
Review Last Year’s Garden
- Assess Successes and Challenges: Reflect on last year's garden. What plants thrived, and which struggled? Consider what could be improved.
- Update Your Garden Journal: If you kept a garden journal, review it to remember important details like harvest times, pest issues, and successful companion plantings.
Plan Your Garden Layout
- Map Your Garden: Create a layout of where you will plant each crop, considering factors like sunlight, water access, and spacing.
- Use Companion Planting: Plan which plants will be near each other for mutual benefits (e.g., basil with tomatoes, beans with corn).
- Crop Rotation: If you grow vegetables, plan for crop rotation to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases and pests. Avoid planting the same type of plant in the same spot as last year.
Choose Seeds and Order Early
- Research Heirloom and Organic Seeds: Choose seeds that are organic and suited for your climate and garden conditions. Look for varieties that are resistant to local pests or diseases.
- Order Seeds Early: January and February are great months to visit local garden centers and browse seed catalogs and place your orders to avoid delays as spring approaches.
Start Indoor Seedlings
- Set Up Indoor Seed Starting Area: Plan to start seeds indoors for plants that require a longer growing season, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
- Get Seed Starting Supplies: Gather seed trays, grow lights, seed starting mix, and labels.
- Timing: Check your local frost dates to determine when to start seeds indoors, generally 6-10 weeks before the last frost date.
- Don't forget to grab your bag of Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter!
Prune and Care for Perennials
- Prune Fruit Trees and Shrubs: Winter is the time to prune fruit trees, berry bushes, and other perennials before they break dormancy.
- Check for Damage: Inspect your perennials for winter damage and remove dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy spring growth.
Prepare Your Tools and Supplies
- Clean and Sharpen Tools: Now is a great time to clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools. Well-maintained tools make garden tasks easier and more efficient.
- Inventory Supplies: Take stock of your gardening supplies, such as seed trays, fertilizers, pots, and hoses. Replenish anything you’re running low on before the rush of spring.
Plan for Pest and Weed Management
- Research Organic Pest Control Methods: Look into beneficial insects, companion planting, and organic treatments like neem oil to control pests without chemicals.
- Weed Prevention: Start planning your strategy for controlling weeds organically. Consider using mulch or cover crops to suppress weeds early in the season.
Install or Repair Infrastructure
- Build Raised Beds or Trellises: Winter is a great time to build raised beds, trellises, or other garden structures to ensure they’re ready for planting season.
- Install Watering Systems: Set up or repair drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses, or rain barrels to prepare for efficient water use when the growing season begins.
Educate Yourself
- Read Gardening Books and Magazines: Use these slower months to learn more about organic gardening, soil health, and new growing techniques.
- Attend Gardening Workshops: Look for online webinars or local workshops on organic gardening, seed starting, soil improvement, or pest management.
Plan for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
- Choose Plants for Pollinators: Plan to include flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. These can help improve pollination and naturally control pests.
- Create Insect Habitats: Consider adding insect hotels, native flowering plants, or undisturbed areas to your garden for beneficial insects to thrive.
By taking the time to plan and prepare in January and February, you’ll set yourself up for a successful, healthy organic garden when the growing season begins!
