UBCNews - Business - Essential January Garden Tasks & Expert Horticulture Tips For The New Year

Episode Date: January 14, 2026

Welcome back to another episode! You know, I think a lot of folks assume January is just about recovering from the holidays, maybe staying indoors. But for gardeners, this month is actually vital. So today, we're getting into essential January garden tasks that'll set you up for a thriving year ahead. Have you ever wondered why winter planning makes such a difference in what blooms come spring? Johansen Landscape & Nursery City: Big Spring Address: 700 Johansen Road Website: https://www.johansenstx.com/

Welcome back to another episode. You know, I think a lot of folks assume January is just about recovering from the holidays, maybe staying indoors. But for gardeners, this month is actually vital. So today we're getting into essential January garden tasks that'll set you up for a thriving year ahead. Have you ever wondered why winter planning makes such a difference in what blooms come spring? Right. It's funny how people overlook January. But honestly, this is the same.

This is when we lay the groundwork. Think of it as the foundation for everything you're going to harvest or admire later. I mean pruning, planning, even just tidying up. It all matters now. Exactly. So let's start with tidying up beds and borders. What should listeners be doing there? Well, first thing is tying wayward stems of climbing plants to their supports. Winter winds can really damage them if they're left loose and then give shrubs a light maintenance prune before they put on vigorous growth in spring. You're basically shaping them now so they don't get unruly later. Makes sense. And I've heard January is prime time for planting bare root roses and fruit trees. Why is that better than waiting? Great question. Planting bare root roses, shrubs, and fruit in January allows them time to establish their root systems before the stress of spring growth kicks

in. They're dormant now, so transplanting doesn't shock them as much. By summer, they're ready to flower or fruit because they've had months to settle in. Mm-hmm. That's clever. And you know what's funny? Last January, I convinced my neighbor to plant bare-root roses, and he was skeptical. Thought they looked like dead sticks. But come June, his garden was absolutely bursting with blooms. And suddenly, I was the neighborhood expert.

Ha! Nothing like visible results to win someone over. Now let's talk about something fun. potatoes. I know there's a technique called chitting. What's that really about? Oh, chitting is one of my favorite January tasks. You place seed potatoes and egg cartons, one tuber per cup, and keep them in a cool, light, dry place for about six weeks. They'll form stubby green shoots around two and a half centimeters long. Those shoots lead to earlier and larger harvest. Just avoid putting them somewhere warm and dark, or you'll get spindly white shoots that snap off easily.

That's a really practical tip. I actually tried this last year, and the difference in yield was noticeable. Way better than store-bought spuds. Definitely. Homegrown potatoes are a taste sensation compared to what you buy in shops. It's one of those things where the extra effort really pays off. So we've established planting and prep are key. Really, January is when you set the stage for the entire growing season. Let's move to pruning fruit trees.

I know there are some rules around timing, right? That point about establishing root systems sets up our next piece, fruit tree care. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're in Big Spring, Texas, or the surrounding areas and need help transforming your outdoor space, Johansen landscape and nursery has you covered. They provide professional lawn maintenance and design services from irrigation installations to hardscaping, and garden renovations. They also supply plants, shrubs, flowers, and related products from their local nursery.

Check out the link in the description to learn more. Picking up on establishing root systems, how does that principle apply when you're pruning fruit trees in January? Good connection there. So for apples and pears, January is perfect for dormant pruning while they're still asleep for the winter. The lack of leaves makes it easier to see the structure, and remove dead or diseased wood. But here's the catch. Stone fruits like plums and cherries

should be left alone until summer. Pruning them now opens them up to silver leaf fungal infections, which can be serious. I see. That makes sense. What about other pruning tasks around the garden? Well, you can prune wisteria by cutting back wippy summer growth to just two or three buds. Rose bushes also benefit from pruning now,

cut branches back just above a bud, and remove any crossing or dead branches. And if you have ornamental grasses, late winter is typically when you'd cut them back to a few centimeters from the ground, though some gardeners wait until early spring to maintain winter interest. That's a lot of cutting.

What about maintenance and cleanup tasks? Oh, absolutely. Cleaning pots, tools, and greenhouses in January prepares them for the spring growing season. It eliminates overwintering pests and diseases. Also, protect plants from fruit. frost, especially potato grow bags if your greenhouse is unheeded. Use frost protection fleece on cold nights, and please keep off lawns when they are frosty.

Walking on frozen grass damages the blades and causes brown patches later. Good point. Now what about supporting garden wildlife? I know birds struggle in winter. Feeding birds throughout winter is so important. Put out wild bird food, keep feeders topped up, and make sure bird baths have fresh water, Remove ice as needed. When you support birds now, they'll stick around and help control pests later in the year. It's a win-win. I love that. And speaking of planning ahead, January is also the time to order seeds and plants, right?

Exactly. Ordering vegetable seeds, fruit bushes, and spring planting bulbs in January allows for thoughtful planning and ensures availability. Draw up a garden plan, consider crop rotation to prevent pests and diseases, and organize your seeds by sewing date. It's really about being prepared, or let me say it another way, January planning is what guarantees you're ready when planting season arrives. Right, exactly. Smart. And here's a fun one. What should people do with their Christmas trees? A great question. Recycling Christmas trees is an eco-friendly January task. Shred them into mulch or compost to enrich garden soil, or strip the branches and use them to protect tender plant roots from frost. It's a simple way to give that tree a second life.

That's resourceful. Before we wrap up, any other quick tips for January gardeners? Sure. Inspect stored fruits, vegetables, and bulbs for signs of rot or disease. Remove any that are soft or showing damage. Check climbing plants are securely tied to supports. And increase humidity for house plants by misting them regularly, or placing them on pebble trays filled with water, since central heating dries the air.

Those are really practical steps. So to everyone listening, January might feel quiet, but it's actually one of the most important months for setting your garden up for success. From pruning and planning to planning and protecting, every task you do now pays off later. Thanks for joining us today, and happy gardening.