January Garden Checklist To Be The Hero Your Land Deserves
Here is what you can do in Zones 5-6 in January. Ka-pow!
The Earth needs heroes, and guess what?
You’re one of them!
While your garden snoozes under its cozy winter blanket, now is the time to gear up for a season of growth, beauty, and rebellion (the cute, leafy kind). This isn’t just any January garden checklist—it’s your action plan for saving the world one plant and speck of earth at a time. From dreaming up your garden masterpiece to winter tree watering missions, this month is all about planting the seeds of hope and transformation. Let’s do this!
While the garden may be blanketed in snow, January is when dreams for the future are created.
January for me holds two powerful energies- one where we are coming off of our darkest of nights and the cold temperatures want to keep us all bundled and cozy. On the other hand…. There is this excitement growing, something pulling us towards the future and wanting to begin to plan our great expansion out back into the world.
What better place to combine the energy of New Year resolutions, longer brighter days and the call of Mother Nature to step in and help back her up. Mother Nature is rooting for you, in fact I hear her begging you to step up, tune in and take action.
January 2025: Gear Up For A Garden Renaissance
General Planning & Preparation
Garden Dreaming: The Year of Becoming Guardians of the Land
It’s time to flip the idea of being a gardener on it’s head. No more trying to tame, control and manipulate the land. Now we step into our power of healing, protecting and caring for the Earth. You are now officially a land steward - there is no going back.
Instead of designing your garden solely around your needs, start by listening to the land. Observe its natural rhythms—where the sun lingers, where the soil holds moisture, where wildlife visits. Think of your garden as part of a larger ecosystem. What can you nurture here that will create the greatest benefit for the Earth, it’s creatures, and for you?
Blend your vision with the land’s needs and spend January designing your dream garden like the masterpiece it is. Grab some graph paper, Pinterest boards, or a napkin—whatever sparks your creativity—and let your imagination run wild! While you are doing this, consider your goals and mix that into the land’s needs. Ask yourself:
How can I support pollinators and wildlife?
What native plants would thrive here?
What will restore and replenish the soil? Or firstly, is my soil healthy?
Create a ‘Dream List'.’ Write down three things this space could become to make a positive difference to your local community and environment, and then write three things you need it to become for your life. Your 2025 garden can be beautiful, it can be productive, it can be healing and it can be a massive gift back to the Earth.
Doubters: But Mother Gardener, how can just one person make such a big difference?
Me: Allow me to quote, Margaret Meed, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Don’t EVER doubt your power. You matter, your actions matter, your words matter, your thoughts matter. This I know.
Inventory Supplies:
Before spring sneaks up on your, check your gear! What needs to be mended or sharpened? Where do they sharpen tools in your area. Instead of buying new, how can you renew what you already have? Being a Guardian of the Land, asks of us to also learn how to use our resources wisely and dial back on the consumerism. To this, I will say, I am not perfect, and neither do you need to be, the goal is each day we try to get a little better and learn from our mistakes.
Who do you know who has some tools you may be able to share or borrow? Let’s get back to our sharing days. Will everyone be mowing their lawn on the same day? Probably not… actually, hopefully not. That sounds awful loud.
Those plastic pots and trays you have- are they still in good shape? If yes, good. You can keep using those. Needing to replace some? If that’s the case I want to challenge you to find other materials. For example when starting seeds do you know you can do this entirely without plastic! Soil blocking, paper pots- all great ways to cut down on your plastic use when seed starting. Spend this time researching, learning, and stay tuned with Mother Gardner as I bring you my favorite methods.
Fun challenge: Bonus points if you find gloves that last more than one season. Please let me know below if you do.
Order Seed Catalogs:
Now this is a fun one the Guardians of the Land who are reading this. What crops did native people grow on your land years ago. Maybe this is the year you find new fruits or vegetables you never tried. Look for varieties of plants that thrive where you are. For example, blueberries- delicious, however very difficult to grow along the Front Range of Colorado without a lot of extra care. What does wonderfully however are currants and gooseberries. Delicious and thrive here. Another characteristic we look for in seeds along the Front Range is how do the seeds handle high heat and on the other end of the spectrum frost. If drought is a concern, look for plants that can withstand less frequent watering. Sunchokes- have you ever heard of those? May be your newest crop to add in. Investigate- what seeds are perennial and will come back year after year- requiring fewer resources and time management. These things- all - add- up.
Nature Journal:
Channel your inner garden scientist and start tracking your seasons. The practice of recording and observing nature is not just for the nature nerds like me - it’s a way to deepen your spiritual connections and your connection to the land. Start a nature journal or phenology wheel to observe how the Earth speaks to you.
For example, as I write I am observing male and female robins eating dried Hawthorn berries off of my tree in freezing temperatures. How thankful I am to be able to provide these flying creatures a tasty treat on one of the coldest of winter days.
Cold Stratification:
Some seeds, like milkweed and lavender, need a bit of winter chill before they’ll sprout. Kind of like sometimes we need rest before we can create. Mark your calendar, follow the instructions, and give these little powerhouses the head start they deserve! One of my new methods for 2025- freeze seeds with some water in ice cube trays for the totality of the cold stratification period and then placing in soil or outside.
Herb and Vegetable Care: Nourishment Inside & Out
Seed Starting:
This is the season for starting onions and chives. These slow growers need all the time to reach harvest but provide a wonderful reward. Chives- in zones five and six are perennial and will come back year after year. Onions can also be purchased as sets so you can skip this January step if you’d rather just not right now.
Monitor Stored Foods:
If you great food last year- how’s it going? Check on your preserves and plan your menu on what you have left. This could be squash, potatoes, root veggies or even tomatoes. Is some of your garlic on it’s last leg- time for some soup. Your food worked hard growing for you so do your best to not waste. When in doubt- give it to someone who can use it.
Winter Care For the Sleeping Giants
Winter Watering:
Winter can be harsh, but your trees, shrubs, and first-year perennials still need hydration. Choose a warm day (above 40°F) and water deeply. Don’t forget to disconnect and store hoses afterward—it’s the unsung hero of winter care!
Pruning:
Pruning isn’t just maintenance—it’s about guiding growth. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches to give your trees and shrubs a healthier future. Avoid pruning spring bloomers like lilacs, as they’ve already set their buds. A good rule of advice is to never trim more than 1/3 at a time and clean your sheers after each cut to avoid spreading pathogens.
Think of pruning as helping your trees find balance and allowing in more light and air flow.
From That’s a Nice Idea to Let’s Go! 2025 Must Be It.
Your garden isn’t just a space- it’s a partnership with the Earth. The steps you take now will nurture not only your land but the creatures and people who depend on it. Planning out your actions now you can have an even greater impact.
Need guidance to turn your vision into reality? Let’s team up! As a garden coach, I’ll help you design a space that’s beautiful, balanced, and bursting with life!
