January can be a slow season for those with a green thumb. Of course, certain plants make their bloom in winter, like the Amaryllis, but there is usually very little outdoor planting to do this season. That is why late January and early February is the perfect time to start planning your spring and summer vegetable garden!
Though you shouldn’t plant any vegetables outdoors before the last frost, there is still a lot you can do to prepare before March rolls around. Late January and early February are excellent times to plan what vegetables to grow, start any plants from seeds, and research soil additives and weed control.
Choosing Your Vegetables
Where you live may dictate which vegetables you plant and when. For example, artichokes are a trickier vegetable to grow and only thrive in specific conditions, so you may want to refrain from planting them in the spring. Consider that only some vegetables can stand up to the cooler temperatures at the start of spring. For example, cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in early spring, but summer vegetables like tomatoes will die if planted before the last frost. It is a good idea to map out the vegetables you will grow in your garden in late winter, so you are ready come springtime.
Starting Plants as Seeds
If you plan on starting any plants from seeds, make your garden plans sooner rather than later. Many plants have an easier time growing if you plant them as seeds indoors. Once you decide what vegetables to grow, you can sow seeds like bell peppers, cantaloupes, and cauliflower indoors in small containers a few weeks before you want to plant them outside.
Soil Additives and Weed Control
Unfortunately, planting seeds straight into the ground does not always yield a bountiful garden. While that may work in some cases, it is essential to prep your soil with additives to help your plants grow. Fertilizer and compost are great add-ins, but further research will tell you if you need to add specific vitamins and minerals depending on what you are planting.
Another necessary step to get your garden ready for spring is mitigating weeds. Pulling weeds by the root will help keep them from returning later in the season. To prevent weeds from growing, you can use straw as a mulch in your vegetable garden!
Although the outdoors seem somewhat desolate during the winter, there is much you can do to plan for the season ahead. If you need straw to help with weed control in your garden, contact The Straw Barn today at 615-310-0749.