New Year, New Garden Plans & Seeds -starting Workshops
Happy New Year! January marks the perfect time to dream, plan, and prepare for your garden’s transformation as the warmer months approach. By starting early, you’ll be ready to welcome spring’s vibrancy and make the most of your gardening season.
Plan Your Garden
January is the ideal time to map out your gardening goals for the year. Follow these steps to set a strong foundation for success:
Step 1: Reflecting on Past Seasons
Before diving into new plans, take a moment to evaluate the previous year. Reflection allows you to identify what worked, what didn’t, and where you can improve.
For example, this year, I’ve decided to overwinter my broad beans, aiming for an earlier May harvest. This will free up enriched soil for my tomato plants. I’ll also plant cabbages directly in the ground instead of raised beds, as my raised beds warm too quickly, increasing the risk of bolting. Last year, only two of six cabbages formed heads, a lesson I’m applying to 2025.
Reflecting also highlighted my challenges with tomatoes in 2024. Despite battling the notorious tomato hornworm and enduring two prolonged droughts, careful monitoring and rigorous soil management led to a bountiful harvest of Brandywines, Cherokee Purples, and Ananas Noir. Such insights are invaluable as I prepare for the year ahead.
Step 2: Find or Refine Your Garden Vision
Your garden should reflect your personal style and goals. While I focus on edible plants, I’ve also integrated pollinator-friendly prairie wildflowers. These were direct-seeded last fall to establish strong roots before spring.
I’ve also converted my front lawn into a vibrant mix of edible crops and wildflowers, while my backyard evolves into a forest garden. Highlights from 2024 include abundant Mara des Bois strawberries, thriving even in challenging weather, and the delightful addition of Alpine strawberries. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, crafting a vision is key to success.
Step 3: Understand Your Space and Map Out Your Garden
A garden map is essential. Use grid paper to sketch your layout, noting sunny spots, water sources, and convenient planting areas. If you’re expanding an existing garden, identify areas for new beds, trees, or pollinator-friendly plants. Thoughtful planning leads to organized, efficient gardening.
Step 4: Select Your Seeds and Bare Roots
January is prime time for selecting seeds and you still can order bare-root plants, particularly for berries and small fruits. Reflecting on your goals and space, explore seed catalogs and online resources to align your choices with your vision. Start small if you’re new to indoor seed starting—a couple of trays near a sunny window are enough to begin.
Bare-root plants like strawberries and fruit trees are cost-effective and versatile. Order early, as inventories deplete quickly. Popular suppliers like Indiana Berries and Nourse Farms offer excellent selections, but act fast to secure your favorites.
Step 5: Timeline and Scheduling
Consistency is the secret to a thriving garden. Use a calendar to block time for key tasks, from planting to harvesting. A clear schedule ensures every plant gets the care it needs, setting the stage for a productive season.
Start Your Seeds Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting seeds indoors in January gives you a head start on the growing season. Follow these steps for success:
Prepare Your Containers
Use seed trays or pots with drainage holes.
Fill with a high-quality seed-starting mix, which supports healthy root growth.
Sow the Seeds
Follow packet instructions for depth and spacing.
Lightly press small seeds like basil into the soil and bury larger seeds like peppers deeper.
Provide Proper Light
Place trays in a sunny window or under grow lights. Keep grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings.
Maintain Moisture
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. A clear plastic lid or wrap can retain moisture and warmth.
Monitor Temperature
Most seeds germinate best between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Use a seed mat if necessary.
Thin the Seedlings
After the first true leaves appear, thin weaker seedlings to give the strongest ones room to grow.
Harden Off the Seedlings
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting.
What to Start Indoors in January
Herbs:
Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Vegetables:
Peppers (Hot and Sweet)
Celeriac
Celery
Endive
Leeks
Strawberries
Upcoming Workshop Announcement
I will be hosting two seed-starting workshops. The first one will take place on February 8 at 2:00 PM at my home in University Park, and I will serve sparkling wine, refreshments and home-made snacks made out of our farmland. You can register here. And if you missed it, I will be hosting another one on February 15 at 12:00 PM at P.A. Bowen Farmstead, in Brandywine, Md. You will learn how to:
Choose the right seeds
Set up your seed-starting system
Grow healthy plants
and you will be leaving with a seed starter kit seeded with seeds that you will select from my favorite seed suppliers.
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned gardener, this workshop will equip you with the skills to thrive.
Link to register for the February 8 workshop.
To register for the Feb. 15 workshop, please call PA Bowen’s Farmstead at (301) 579-2727, or stop by the Farm Store ( 15701 Doctor Bowen Rd
Brandywine, MD 20613) to register.
January To-Do List
Maximize productivity this month with these tasks:
Organize Tools and Supplies
Clean, sharpen, and organize tools.
Check your irrigation system and restock essential supplies.
Order Seeds and Bare Roots
Explore trusted suppliers:
Baker Creek: Unique heirloom seeds.
High Mowing Seeds: Quality greens.
True Leaf: a very wide selection of seeds as well as garden supplies, fermenting kits etc.
Johnny’s Seeds: Comprehensive selection of seeds, tools, soil amendments etc. Johnny’s is the go-to provider for farmers, but they also cater to gardeners.
Indiana Berry: Exceptional berries and fruit trees.
Nourse Farms: Renowned for strawberries and asparagus crowns.
By following these tips and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding and productive gardening season. Here's to a beautiful and bountiful 2025 garden!