Jan 9th, 2026
Mildred’s #1 Tip for January: When planning the amount of spring seeds to plant, remember that you are a gardener, not a farmer.
January Gardening Tasks in the Pacific Northwest
1. Observe Before You Act
This is the month to notice. Watch where water pools, where frost lingers longest, and which plants shrug off the cold. These observations will guide spring changes far better than any garden plan drawn indoors.
2. Tidy (Lightly)
- Remove fallen, soggy leaves from lawns and paths to prevent rot and slipping.
- Leave seed heads, stems, and leaf litter in beds where possible, as they shelter beneficial insects and birds.
- Cut back only what is clearly dead or diseased.
3. Pruning (Weather Permitting)
- Prune fruit trees (apples, pears) and dormant deciduous trees on dry days.
- Remove crossing or damaged branches.
- Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs
4. Care for the Soil
- Stay off saturated soil to avoid compaction.
- Add compost to beds if the ground isn’t frozen; winter rains help work it in naturally.
- Mulch around perennials to protect roots from freeze and thaw cycles
5. Check Drainage – January rain reveals everything
- Clear clogged drains, swales, and gutters.
- Consider rain gardens, French drains, or relocating plants that hate wet feet.
6. Protect From Cold Snaps
- Keep frost cloth or burlap handy for sudden freezes.
- Check that tender plants are insulated, and pots are elevated off cold ground.
7. Indoor & Covered Tasks
- Clean and sharpen tools.
- Wash pots and seed trays.
- Take inventory of seeds and start ordering
- Start slow-growing seeds indoors late in the month (leeks, onions, celery).
8. Feed the Wildlife
- Keep bird feeders clean and stocked.
- Provide fresh water
Your garden allies are watching and waiting.
9. Dream a Little
January is for garden notebooks, wish lists, and sticky notes on seed catalogs. Let ideas wander. The garden will tell you when it’s time to act.
The Enchanted Trowel 