January is the perfect time of year to start planting some outdoor plants! Not only will taking this project on bring a burst of energy and color into your garden, but it can also give you something enjoyable (and productive!) to do as you wait for spring.
Planning what to plant and looking after your new creations can be both calming and inspiring. It gives you an excuse to escape from these wintery days indoors. So don’t delay! Start planting the plants that would fit best with your lifestyle now, so they’ll be ready for when the weather warms up.
Fruit Trees
Planting fruit trees in January ensures they have plenty of time to become established before summer kicks into full swing.
Crab Apple
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If you’re looking to transform your garden in January, consider planting a crab apple tree! Not only will it add a splash of color and life to your outdoor space, but it will also attract birds and other wildlife. The leaves provide food for caterpillars, while the flowers are sure to bring in buzzing bees and other insects. Larger animals such as foxes, blackbirds, voles, and badgers can benefit from the fruit this tree produces.
This hardy species will tolerate most soil types and dryness (provided you plant it in the sun or part shade). Planting it in late December to early March is typically the best time. As long as the weather cooperates and the soil is workable, planting this beauty in January is the way to go!
Wild Cherry
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This beautiful native tree will give you a bounty of bright red fruits and is sure to become the envy of your neighborhood.
Wild cherry trees thrive in full sun and fertile soil that doesn’t get waterlogged. Planting in a sheltered location will also help protect the huge spring blossoms from strong winds that can quickly destroy them.
Although January may not seem like the ideal time for planting, there are some advantages to getting it done at this time of year. This includes fewer pests and diseases, less weed competition, and more time for the root system to get established before the potentially hotter summer months.
Blackthorn
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The hardy nature of this native fruit tree means it can cope well in exposed sites, making it a great windbreak. Not only will it provide shelter from the elements, but it will also reward you with an abundance of bluish-black berries.
Plant your blackthorn tree in a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil. With the right care, your tree will provide a tasty treat for birds year after year.
Bushes
For a low-maintenance approach, add some evergreen bushes to your yard. Many varieties are available and adding flowering shrubs to your yard adds color and texture.
Witch Hazel
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With its small tassel-like blooms in vibrant yellow or fiery orange, Witch Hazel will make a cheerful splash of color during the otherwise drab winter months. Plus, its fragrance will add a delightful scent to your outdoor space.
Witch Hazel is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. However, avoid planting it in frozen or waterlogged ground, as this could seriously damage the plant. Ensure the soil is well-drained before planting so your Witch Hazel has a good start.
You may also wish to mulch around your shrub each year to preserve moisture and protect the roots from cold temperatures.
Wintersweet
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This deciduous shrub has dark green lance-shaped leaves, topped with fragrant yellowish-green and dark reddish-purple flowers throughout the winter. Planting Wintersweet in January will provide you with an attractive addition to any outdoor space. It adds texture, interest, and layers of color to your landscape. It can reach heights up to 8 feet or higher against a wall, so it looks great as a border or foundation plant.
For best success, ensure that the soil is moist but well-drained. Also, plant in full sun. With minimal maintenance, it can be a long-lasting element of your home’s landscape and is also generally disease free.
Flowers
January is the perfect time to think about your spring flower display. So, if you’re looking to brighten up your garden with some colorful blooms, then this is the month to do it!
Hyacinth
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If you’re lucky enough to live in Zone 9b, then January is the perfect time to plant Hyacinth. Planting these bulbs is a breeze. Simply plant them in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
If you want your outdoor plants to be at their best, mulch around them after planting. You’ll get large flowerheads that can range from shades of white, blue, and pink to deep red, purple, or even yellow! Enjoy the wonderful scent and color around your garden when the flowers appear in early spring.
Roses
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Planting roses in the winter is great because they’ll have plenty of time to settle in and get established. Plus, you can plant container-grown roses all year round.
If you’re planting bare-root roses, ensure that the soil isn’t frozen so that you can dig down deep to prepare for planting. Also, consider adding some organic matter into the soil for good measure.
In Summary
With the winter months feeling long and tedious, why not spruce up your garden? This is the perfect time of year to get started planting and sowing before the weather gets warmer. Not only will this project bring life and color into your backyard sanctuary, but it can also serve as a calming activity while being productive at the same time.
With your carefully chosen outdoor plants in full bloom come springtime, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner and show off your green thumbs! Leave a comment below and let everyone know what plants you’re thinking of planting! Share this post with your family and friends and let them in on your new gardening adventure.