Think there’s nothing to do in the garden in January? Especially with this mild winter (so far), there’s plenty to do to “keep your hands in dirt” and take care of your landscape. Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc. (DCMGA), a division of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, offers a Garden Task List for January at its website, tasks which include pruning, watering and soil enrichment.
The DCMGA’s to-dos for this month include:
- Sow seeds in flats or containers to get a jump on the season. Petunias, begonias and impatiens can be started now.
- Prune with a purpose. Do not “top” any trees or shrubs (cutting back the top branches) including crape myrtles, as topping can lead to significant harm and health issues for the tree. Never leave stubs. Continue to prune evergreen trees such as magnolias, live oaks and wax myrtles to minimize possible ice damage. Re-shape evergreen shrubs and shade trees, as needed, during the winter dormant period.
- Continue to mulch leaves from the lawn and remove debris from turf areas to reduce disease and insect problems. Add compost and mulch to all beds.
- Continue to water lawn grass once every three weeks or so, if you have not had at least 1” of supplemental rain. Water outdoor landscape plants, as needed, when the soil is dry. Water plants thoroughly before a hard freeze to reduce chances of freeze damage.
- Fertilize pansies and other winter annuals about once a month throughout the winter.
Complete task list: www.dallascountymastergardeners.org
