I’m thrilled to unveil my January garden plan, a month that brings a mix of sweet and bitter emotions for us Florida gardeners. Join me as I share my thoughts and plans for the halfway point of my favorite gardening season – fall and winter.
The Sweet and Bitter of January
January in Florida is sweet because it marks the coldest month for us gardeners. Strangely enough, I relish gardening in the cold – it’s my favorite thing to do. However, it’s also a tad bitter as it signifies the midpoint of my cherished garden season. For Northern gardeners, it might be reminiscent of the approaching end of fall.
While we’re fortunate to garden all year round in Florida, bidding farewell to crops like broccoli, nearly impossible to grow in late spring and early summer, leaves a hint of sadness.
Regional Gardening Dynamics
Living in Central Florida in Zone 9A, I must note a shift in our gardening dynamics. Typically, we discussed North Florida ahead in the growing schedule and South Florida behind. However, in January, South Florida warms up quicker, allowing for the early start of tomatoes and peppers. North Florida, on the other hand, lags by a month due to lingering cooler weather and potential frost.
This dynamic flip-flop occurs twice a year, influencing our planting schedules. Let’s delve into what’s growing in my garden this January and the exciting projects I have lined up.
January Garden Planting
Warm Season Crops
According to the UF website, January is the month to start warm-season crops. However, I categorize them into long-growing ones (transplanted) like tomatoes and peppers and those that need direct seeding like squash, melon, corn, and cucumbers.
Personally, I wait until later in January or early February to direct seed warm-season crops to avoid potential late frosts. This precautionary measure ensures a smoother transition for the plants.
Cold Season Crops
Meanwhile, cold-season crops continue to thrive in January. The list includes arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chinese cabbage, collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, bunching onions, peas, white potatoes, radish, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips.
Consider shorter days-to-harvest varieties or those with heat tolerance for optimal results.
January Garden Projects
Being the coolest month in Florida, January becomes the ideal time for significant garden projects. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on my to-do list:
- Perimeter Replacement: Replacing perimeters around trees using pavers for the camper tree and widening the base of the peach tree.
- New Bed Consideration: Debating on adding a new bed for herbs and greens, given the abundance of seeds and seedlings.
- Pruning: Pruning the blackberry bush and tackling the challenge of pruning the peach tree, which wasn’t adequately pruned when young.
These projects, along with starting tomatoes and peppers in the AeroGarden, set the tone for a busy yet fulfilling January.
Special Tip for the Month
As we transition into spring and summer, consider varieties that thrive in hot and humid climates. Opt for disease-resistant varieties, especially for tomatoes and squash, to ensure a successful and healthy harvest. Thank you for joining me in revealing my January garden plan. Happy gardening, everyone!
