January
- Pot up geranium cuttings in perlite or soil-less mixture and place close under artificial light; keep evenly moist.
- Check, regularly, stored tubers and corms, such as gladiola, for dryness. Mist if necessary.
- Clean houseplant foliage regularly with a soft damp cloth; plants with fuzzy leaves can be cleaned with an old clean toothbrush.
- Buy a horticultural society membership for you or a fellow gardening enthusiast.
- Study the bones of your garden. Does your garden have good form and balance?
- Do the trees and shrubs in your landscape look good in winter, or attract birds with their berries or seeds?
- Make plans for next year’s garden projects.
- Send for seed and plant catalogues, if you haven't already done so. Begin compiling your orders.
- Now is a great time to read those gardening books and magazines you don’t have time for in summer.
- Visit garden centres and conservatories to lighten your mood.
- Keep bird feeders clean and filled.
- Shovel snow onto garden beds and pile against basement walls.
- Apply sand, small amounts of fertilizer, or commercial compounds that are compatible with plants to pathways.
- Plant your cut Christmas tree in the snow for winter interest and shelter for birds. Use some branches to cover evergreen and tender perennials and plants.
- Remove snow build up on roof tops to prevent damage to eavestroughs and roof.
- By the end of January, begin pruning (but not birch, maple, or shrubs that flower on last year’s growth).
