In Your Garden - January

Garden Planning

Think about your garden goals for this year. If you keep a garden journal, look back and see what you’d like to do differently. Break out some graph paper and start drawing. 

• Consider joining us Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. for Smart Garden Research, a workshop to help you navigate the overwhelming world of online gardening advice with confidence. Part of our Master Your Garden education series, this class will be held at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center, 12690 State Route 31, Albion. Suggested donation: $5. To register, call (585) 798-4265 or email klo54 [at] cornell.edu.

• Come out on Jan. 31 for the 2nd Annual Seed Swap hosted by our seed library, the Orleans Community Seed Share. Bring seeds from your garden, and discover new varieties to grow, all while connecting with fellow gardeners who share your passion for growing. 

For the Birds and Wildlife

Instead of throwing away your Christmas tree, repurpose it in your landscape. Once you’ve removed all decorations, put it outside to create habitat for birds and other creatures. Avoid repurposing trees that have been sprayed with fake snow or treated with chemicals.

• Choose the most nutritious seeds for the birds at your feeder. 

• Clean your bird feeders about once every two weeks to prevent the spread of disease. If it’s been very busy, you may want to clean your feeder more often.

Houseplants

• Let your poinsettias thrive by placing them near windows that face south, east or west. Be careful of drafts and cold, though, which may cause premature leaf drop. Water when the soil surface feels dry. For care of other holiday plants, check out these tips.

• Keep your other houseplants happy, too: Turn them every few days to keep them from leaning too far toward the light, and watch for leaves that curl or droop. This may be due to low temperatures or improper watering.