[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ast year was a fantastic year for gardeners in central Texas. During January and February we only had two cold mornings. Spring started early, and the weather wasn’t too outrageously hot during the summer months. In addition the lakes were full and watering restrictions were slightly loosened.
So it was ‘all systems go’ for gardeners!
Many customers at our nursery claimed they had the best year that they could remember: bountiful crops of tomatoes and all veggies, and plants flourishing in their landscapes.
But here we are in January, a month where rapid fluctuations in temperature are the norm. Remember that this is a time of dormancy for your garden, a time when we must do everything we can to discourage growth.
Avoid feeding plants, and avoid cutting plants back too soon. For roses, wait until mid-February. If you have the urge to cut back perennials such as lantana or firebush to tidy up the yard, be sure to cut them back above the green wood. Otherwise, with your clippers, you are sending the plant a message: it’s time to start growing.
What we can do is heap generous amounts of mulch around our plants to protect the roots for when the cold weather arrives. Some more things you can do in January:
1. Plant a fruit tree. Many fruit tree varieties will arrive in local nurseries this month, and in February and March. Try apples, peaches, plums, persimmons, and pears.
2. Prepare spring vegetable garden. I would recommend the solarization method to get rid of weeds. Till your garden with a mechanical tiller or a garden spade and water the area thoroughly. Cover with a clear plastic film and secure the perimeter with rocks or soil. The sun will raise the temperature in the garden soil to levels that will kill weeds and seeds. Allow the film to stay on for a month to six weeks. When removed, your garden will be weed free.
3. Turn off sprinklers. Automatic lawn sprinklers should be set at a minimum or simply turn them off. (Turf grass is dormant.)
4. Plant a tree. There is still time. Maybe you purchased a living tree for the holidays. Find that perfect spot, plant it and water it in.
5. Catalog browsing. Find a comfortable armchair, and get to work! January is a good time to look through garden and seed catalogs to decide on varieties you want to grow this year. Starting a garden journal is a simple way to keep track of what you plant and what has been successful.
6. Plant asparagus. Now is the time to prepare beds and plant. Three year asparagus crowns will arrive in local nurseries early this month. Beds should be dug deeply and filled with rich organic compost. Three year crowns will put you closer to harvest than seed grown.
7. Onions are still possible. You still have the opportunity to produce large onions this year. Also you can plant turnips, collards, and radishes.
Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
