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Do you have a fall crop? Protect your plants by using a greenhouse, cold frame, or cover throughout the winter. Harvest any matured crops throughout the winter such as Brussels Sprouts, Lettuce, Collards, Radish, Kale, Turnips, Carrots, Spinach, Leeks, and Swiss Chard. Add an extra layer of mulch to root crops for an extra layer of protection in freezing temperatures.
January is a time for planning. The better you plan, the less work you will need to do later. Here's a list of things you'll need to do to prepare for the spring garden season.
Decide what to plant and how much.
Design your garden space.
Check your supplies seeds, (including seed-starting soil mix and fertilizers) and replenish if needed.
Check the back of your seed packets for specific zone instructions on when to plant seedlings.
Set up and begin your indoor seed plants.
Check the condition of your gardening equipment.
Cut back old foliage from ornamental grasses, such as Maiden grass, before new growth begins.
Cut down the old stems of perennial plants like Daylily and Sedum.
Tip! Use a calendar noting planting dates and maintenance tasks
Our home vegetable garden guide has an informative section on planning and designing here.
In late January or early February, prune Roses including removing leaves from plant and ground to reduce disease problems. Avoid pruning any other spring blooming plants such as azaleas and dogwood.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs and bare-root, balled, or burlap wrapped plants. Begin transplanting any landscape plants. Be sure the time the plants stay out of the ground is as short as possible. After transplanting, keep the plants well watered.
Choose seeds that are adapted to your region for a march planting. Plant spring garden seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. Typically the transplants will be ready for the garden in about 4-5 weeks in optimum conditions.
Winter is the snowy or even rainy season in some parts of the country so watering could be infrequent. In dry weather, water woody ornamental plants and lawns 24-48 hours before any hard freezes is forecasted. Resist the urge to work in the garden after a rainstorm or watering. Walking on wet soil compresses it, reducing drainage and oxygen.