Happy New Year! January is the ideal time to begin thinking and planning the spring garden. Plant and seed catalogues filled with new ideas and improved varieties will soon be arriving in the mail. The local gardening centers will also be a tempting resource, as well as the internet, so pre-plan before making your purchases. A map of your garden area can be helpful to determine the correct number of seeds to order. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate or labor intensive project. A sheet of graph paper and a few measurements jotted down will get the job done. Be sure to allow enough space between rows and plenty of room for vining crops.

Now that you have a strategy for your spring garden, your paperwork is complete and you can begin a hands-on activity. Check the garden tools; perhaps the shears, shovels and mower need to be sharpened and oiled. Do the power tools need a tune-up? Be sure the power lawn mower and weed eater operating properly and are ready for spring planting.

If pruning is necessary for fruit or shade trees, January or February is the proper time.

An application of cow manure or other organic soil conditioners in January will greatly benefit the spring garden. A 2 inch deep application now will give the nutrients adequate time to soak into the soil before you begin planting.

Idea for a New Years Resolution: Don’t forget the birds in your locale; feeding birds during the winter months is especially important. Make a commitment to maintain a well-stocked and clean bird feeder during all seasons. Do a little research to acquaint yourself with birds that live in your locale. During the time their natural food sources are limited, suet cakes and birdseed will provide essential fat and protein for the birds.

Build a birdfeeder: Almost any container that holds bird food and is placed in a safe place can be used as a bird feeder. Recyclable materials that are headed for the trash often make great bird feeders. Some of the simplest items work well; a small mesh bag can be filled with bird seed and hung from a tree branch, or half a grapefruit peel can double as a bird feeder. Another improvised but very effective feeder can be created by attaching a wire to a large pinecone and spreading peanut butter over the pinecone.

Don’t forget the birdbath. Water is also essential for birds, so keep the birdbath filled with fresh, clean water and a de-icer if your area is prone to freezing.

Your houseplants will appreciate a little extra attention in January. Although the winter months are a resting time for plants, they still need care and maintenance. Indoor plants require less frequent feeding, but an application of liquid plant food can be a real boost to actively growing plants. By late February they will be ready to resume the regular feeding schedule. It is important to keep your plants clean and dust free. A small plant can be cleaned with a damp cloth, while the larger plants may need a mini shower under the tap. Close curtains or blinds to protect indoor plants from the drafts, or a really cold night. The majority of houseplants do not thrive well in the warm, dry environment that is present in many homes during the winter month. Leaves that are turning yellow or curling up and falling off are an indication of a lack of humidity and too much heat. Place your plant on a shallow tray that has been filled with small pebbles and a little water. This method provides the humidity needed by the plant.

Inspect the leaves on your houseplants for insects. Mealy bugs scale and mites are easily controlled with the proper product that is approved for indoor use. Consult an expert. Take a leaf sample to your local garden center and have a plant specialist diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

Actively growing plants check may be root bound. If the roots are sticking out of the drainage holes or growing over the top, it is time to repot. If the plant needs to be watered often and droops shortly after watering, it probably needs to be repotted. Turn the potted plant upside down and remove the plant. If the roots are in a solid mass around the root ball you will need to carefully loosen the root system. Often roots have grown so tightly together that they need to be scored with a knife to loosen them. Choose a larger pot, and a quality potting mix. A pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot will be just the right size. Put a small piece of broken clay pot over the drainage hole to prevent the soil from escaping when watered. Place dry potting mix in the bottom of the pot, allowing the top of the root ball to be within 1 inch of the top of the pot. Fill around the root ball with the mix; gently press the soil with your fingers, being careful not to add soil above the original level of the root ball. Gentle is important; Do Not Pack the soil around the root ball. Water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain from the pot.

Last, but not least. January is a great time to grow your mind! Sign up for a gardening class or seminar.