Sometimes I think January is my favorite time to garden. What? Gardening in January? January is when the new seed and garden catalogs start arriving. January is a time when we need a break from the white outside.
In January, seed trial results from the previous summer are released by the University of Minnesota (U of MN) Extension Office. In January my garden books and lists come out so I can plot, visualize, and order. Yes, January is one of my favorite months to garden in.
I am writing this on day two of a major pre- Christmas snow event. I might find it difficult to wait until January to start dreaming of the summer garden. Johnny’s Select Seeds must have read my mind. An email popped up with “New Trending Flowers–Shop by Color to Find Your New Favorites” in the subject line.
This joins the previous email “New Flavors for 2023” and FedCo’s request to “Check Out Our New Climate Resistant Varieties.” The University of Minnesota Annual Flowers Seed Trials results have been released. The garden profession doesn’t rest during the colder months. It works hard to prepare for spring.
January is a good time to think about the garden problems you encountered last season and to plot a fix. Now is a good time to search for just the right garden trowel or soaker hose set for that problem space.
I know I want to experiment further with growing potatoes in fabric “grow bags.” Did you know this year new colors and styles are being introduced? What an interesting way to add color and variety to the garden space by incorporating colored grow bags of various shapes and sizes to accent the plant colors and add an even stronger pop of color.
Think of the extra room you’ll have in your garden shed (or garage) if you’re storing foldable bags instead of planters. I empty the dirt from mine in the fall and use the bags to cover my more sensitive plants in order to give them a little extra protection during the winter.
Wondering what annuals to plant in the spring? The top 10 performers in the U of MN seed trials were released a bit early this year. These annual flowers are evaluated on unique characteristics, exceptional performance, color, and vigor under regional conditions. A visual evaluation and score are given to each variety several times during the growing season.
Look for Begonia Megawatt™ Pink Bronze Leaf Improved, Dahlia Labella® Maggiore Fun Flame, Marigold Mary Orange, Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista® Midnight, and other new or improved flowers in your local greenhouse this spring.
One of the newer ideas I’d like to add to my gift giving is seed paper. Seed paper is a special eco paper made from recycled paper waste and is embedded with seeds. When you plant the paper in a pot of soil or outside in a garden, the seeds in the paper germinate and grow into plants.
The paper itself will biodegrade and will leave only the flowers, herbs, or vegetables behind. I have discovered calendars, wedding invitations, and confetti made from seed paper with a variety of seeds embedded, such as wildflower blend, tri-herb blend, and native wildflowers. Or try a seed bomb as a gift. I’ve included a link below in the resource section.
So, when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the weather in January, watch for the first of the seed catalogs to arrive. Peruse the flowers and vegetables. Dream about how fabulous your garden spaces will look long about July when the Lighthouse Red Salvia and the Marvel Mix II African Marigolds are blooming. Wonder how Shishimai peppers and Cristabel lettuce will taste.
Planning a wedding or other celebration? I challenge you to see how many plantable products you can incorporate into your event. Cheers!
Resources:
Annual Flowers Seed Trial Results: www.extension.umn.edu/yardand garden-news/2022- annual-flower-trial-results
Top 10 Annual Flowers: www.wcroc.cfans. umn.edu/research/ horticulture/2022-top-ten
Seed papers and other plantable paper products: www.botanicalpaperworks.com/native-species seed-paper/#
Sally Koski is a University of Minnesota Extension Volunteer/St. Louis County Master Gardener who lives and gardens in Ely. Lawn and garden questions can be directed to Sally at sally.k.koski@gmail.com.