Posted on January 24, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

As the new year has begun, gardeners in Southeast Kansas are eager to start planning for the upcoming growing season. While the cold weather may limit outdoor activities, there’s still plenty to do to prepare your garden for spring. At Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas, we’re here to help you make the most of this crucial time for garden preparation and prevention.

Garden Planning and Preparation

January is the perfect time to dream and plan for your garden’s potential. As you browse seed catalogs and nursery websites, focus on plants with improved insect and disease resistance. That is especially important for our region, where pests and diseases can be challenging. Consider creating a garden layout, taking into account crop rotation and companion planting, to maximize your space and improve plant health.

For those looking to expand their fruit production, now is the ideal time to order fruit trees. When selecting varieties, pay attention to the hardiness zones. Southeast Kansas falls within Zone 7A, so choose trees that can withstand our winter temperatures.

Indoor Activities

While it’s too early to start most seeds indoors, you can begin preparations for seed starting. Clean and sanitize your seed trays and gather supplies like potting soil and grow lights. Some slow-growing flowers and herbs can be started indoors in late January, giving them a head start for the spring.

Take this time to be proactive and responsible by inventorying and maintaining your gardening tools. Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools to ensure they’re ready for the busy season. Consider painting tool handles with bright colors to make them easier to spot in the garden. Also, remember to check your mulch layers and replenish as needed. Proper mulching helps protect plant roots from frost heaving and maintains soil moisture.

Outdoor Tasks

On milder winter days, there are several tasks you can tackle outdoors:

• Clean Up: Remove any fallen fruit or debris from your garden bed to prevent disease and pest issues in the spring.
• Mulch Maintenance: Check your mulch layers and replenish them as needed. Proper mulching helps protect plant roots from frost heaving and maintains healthy soil moisture.
• Prune Trees and Shrubs: January is an excellent time to prune most deciduous trees and shrubs, except for spring-flowering varieties. Wait to prune birch, maple, and walnut until after they leaf out.
• Water Management: If the ground isn’t frozen, water any fall-planted perennials, trees, and shrubs to prevent dry soil conditions.
• Wildlife Care: Keep bird feeders and water sources filled for our feathered friends who stick around during the winter months.

Pest and Disease Prevention

January garden prep should include strategies for pest and disease prevention:

• Inspect stored bulbs for signs of rot or decay, discarding any that show damage.
• Check the trees and shrubs on your property for any signs of rabbit damage to the bark, and consider installing protective barriers if needed.
• If you haven’t already, remove any diseased plant material from your garden to prevent issues from overwintering.

Planning for the Future

Use this quieter time in the garden to evaluate last year’s successes and challenges. Take photos of your winter landscape and analyze them for year-round interest. That can help you identify areas for improvement and guide your plant selections for the coming year.

Consider attending gardening workshops or webinars to expand your knowledge. For example, K-State Research and Extension offers a “Garden Hour” series that covers various topics, from basic gardening techniques to advanced plant care. The series is suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners. One of the upcoming topics is “Sowing Success: Research-based Gardening for Beginners,” which can be particularly beneficial for those new to gardening.

As you engage in January garden prep and prevention, remember that gardening is a continuous learning and adaptation journey. By taking these steps now, you’re setting the stage for a bountiful and beautiful garden in the coming months. Visit us at Van Becelaere Greenhouse for all your gardening needs, and let’s make this growing season the best one yet!