January 2026
Hey there, fabulous gardeners of the Mid-Ohio Valley! As we kick off 2026 at Bob's Market and Greenhouses, it's time to embrace that "Flower Power" vibe from the WVU Extension calendar. January might feel like Mother Nature's deep freeze, but it's prime time for planning, prepping, and a little indoor magic. We've pulled together these tasks from our trusty garden guides, broken down by week (with Week 1 covering Jan 1-3, since the month starts mid-week). Think of this as your cozy winter blueprint – educational enough to make you a pro, but with a dash of humor to keep things fun. Who knew January could be this exciting? Let's dig in (pun totally intended)!
Week 1 (January 1-3): Start the Year with Planning and Pampering
Plan your garden layout: Grab a hot cocoa, sketch out where those veggies and flowers will go – it's like playing garden Tetris, but way more rewarding.
Increase humidity for houseplants: Mist them or set up pebble trays with water; your plants will thank you by not looking like they've survived a desert trek.
Browse seed catalogs: Flip through those glossy pages for inspiration – it's basically window shopping for seeds, and way cheaper than a mall spree.
Cut back poinsettias and place them in sunny windows: Give last holiday's stars a trim and a sunny spot; they'll bounce back like champs.
Order herb seeds: Stock up on basics like basil or thyme now, so you're ready to herb-ify your meals come spring.
Harvest overwintered Brussels sprouts: If you've got 'em hanging on, snag those hardy little guys – they're like nature's mini cabbages, tough as nails in the cold.
General prep: Bring in tender houseplants if they're still outside, wash off dust, and place in sunny spots. Also, check trees for weak branches before snow weighs them down – better safe than sorry (or splintery)!
Week 2 (January 4-10): Ordering and Organizing Time
Order seed varieties: Focus on what thrived last year, like hardy kale – remember, diversity is key for that ecosystem boost.
Harvest overwintered kale: Pull those leafy greens if ready; they're packed with nutrients to kick winter blues to the curb.
Create a garden map: Detail your beds and rotations – educational tip: Include flowers as companions to veggies for better pest control and prettier plots.
Seed tomatoes for early high tunnel planting: Start 'em indoors under lights; they'll give you a head start on fresh salsa season.
Service power equipment and clean garden tools: Wipe down with an oiled cloth and sharpen blades – think of it as a spa day for your shovels.
Plant amaryllis in indoor pots: These bulbs are easy and bloom big – perfect for adding color when everything outside is blah.
Test germination of stored seeds: Use damp paper towels to check viability; no one wants dud seeds cramping your style.
Use grow lights for vegetable seedlings: Keep 'em on for 14 hours a day – it's like giving your baby plants a personal sun lamp.
Turn compost: Give it a good mix before it freezes solid; healthy compost means richer soil later.
Gently remove snow or ice from evergreens and shrubs: Brush it off carefully to avoid breakage – they're not snowmen, after all.
Sharpen tillage tools: Get 'em ready for spring; dull tools are no fun, like trying to cut steak with a spoon.
Week 3 (January 11-17): Mid-Month Maintenance and More Ordering
Organize a community garden: Rally neighbors or friends – sharing tips (and maybe produce) makes gardening twice the fun.
Order fertilizer and lime according to soil test results: Test first if you haven't; it's like a check-up for your dirt to ensure balanced nutrients.
Seed spinach in a cold frame or high tunnel: These greens germinate in cool temps – educational nugget: They're iron-rich and quick to grow.
Develop a flowering landscape design for the lawn and garden: Plan for "Flower Power" with pollinator-friendly blooms; birds and bees will love you for it.
Order harvest supplies: Think baskets or shears – prep now so you're not scrambling in summer's heat.
General care: Add mulch to flower and bulb beds after the ground freezes to prevent heaving – it's like tucking your plants in with a cozy blanket. Also, till vegetable garden soil to expose pests to the cold; nature's way of saying "bug off!"
Week 4 (January 18-24): Focus on Fruits and Flowers
Order blackberry and raspberry plants: These brambles are West Virginia favorites – plant in well-drained spots for juicy rewards.
Seed mache or claytonia in a cold frame: These winter greens are mild and hardy; great for salads when fresh produce is scarce.
Order strawberry plants: Choose everbearing varieties for ongoing harvests – who doesn't love a berry bonanza?
Browse flower seed catalogs for diverse flowers: Look for pollinators like zinnias or sunflowers; variety keeps your garden buzzing (literally).
Order seed for annual flowers such as zinnias and sunflowers: Easy growers that add color and attract beneficial insects – plus, they're market favorites for fresh cuts.
General tasks: Prune deciduous trees for structure and safety (but hold off on fruit trees 'til next month). Cover trees and shrubs from deer damage – those critters are sneaky snackers. Also, give all trees and shrubs a deep water before full freeze; hydrated roots are happy roots.
Week 5 (January 25-31): Wrap Up with Winter Wrap-Ups
Order dahlia tubers for spring planting: These showy flowers are worth the wait – store 'em cool until planting time.
General wrap-up: By month's end, winterize the lawnmower to prevent rust – it's like putting it in hibernation. Scrub and disinfect flowerpots with a mild bleach solution; clean pots mean healthier starts. Work bonemeal into rosebush soil and mound mulch around bases for protection – roses can be divas in winter. Apply protective mulches to perennials after a light freeze, and cover strawberries with 2 inches of straw. Finally, prune grapevines and mark bulb locations to avoid spring mishaps – because stepping on tulips is a gardener's nightmare!
