3 key things to do in your garden in January

January is a good time for you and your garden to rest, however there are 3 key things to do in your garden this January to get the New Year off to a good start.If all goes well, we will get some rain this January (keep your fingers crossed). It has been a long time since Southern California had a good soaking rain. The experts are predicting wet weather this January and we are hoping the experts are right. After 4 years of devastating drought we need rain in the worst way imaginable.No matter what happens with the weather, there are 3 key things to do in your garden this January.

1. Bring life to your soil. Creating living soil is an on-going project. Living soil needs 50% less water than dead soil. What is dead soil? Soil that has been treated with chemicals and raked of all top soil and organic material. You'd be surprise how often we see this kind of soil. Bringing soil back to life is easy, lay down compost and lots of mulch. In fact according to Cory Wells, plant health care coordinator at Lotusland, the simple step of laying mulch will do the trick on its own. Any kind of organic material will do. I chase down local tree companies and get them to dump chips at my place. Just yesterday I got a big load of Eucalyptus chips from Branch Out Tree Service. Thank you, Branch Out! There are other ways to bring life to your soil. A visit to Steve Beckman's biodynamic vineyard boasts the ultimate in living soil.
2. Shop Bare root. Bare root plants are available late December to early January. What are bare root plants? Simply, they are plants that are dormant and are sold "bare root" not in soil. they are sold in their dormant state. The advantage to buying bare root is double. Value, because you aren't paying for the nursery to put them in cans, that saves you money. The second advantage is selection. Bare root trees, roses, fruits and vegetables are available in greater variety when purchased bare root.
3. Planning. It's too early to plant much early January so it is the perfect time to do garden planning. Walk about your garden and observe what is working and what isn't. Make a list and keep it for consultation later. When the weather warms use this list to replant in the spring. If you have questions about what to do and what to plant, call us 805-969-3984 for a Free Home Garden Consultation.

Until next time, fill your garden with joy!