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JANUARY
HAIL, January, that bearest here
On snowbright breasts the babe-faced year
That weeps and trembles to be born.
Hail, maid and mother, strong and bright,
Hooded and cloaked and shod with white,
Whose eyes are stars that match the morn.
Thy forehead braves the storm's bent bow,
Thy feet enkindle stars of snow. Excerpt from "A Year's Carols" by Algernon Charles Swinburne 1837-1909 |
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Growing Perennial plants from seed often requires special treatments and techniques that require extra time. January is the perfect time to get them started so they are ready to plant out in the spring. We will cover the various techniques for perennial flowers, herbs, vegetables, woody perennials, and native plants.
This is the first session in the five-part LTPL Seed School Series. |
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Monday, February 17 @ 6:30 pm
Growing annual plants from seed is a rewarding and economical way to make your garden beautiful and productive. Join us for tips and techniques that will help you to grow happy, healthy seedlings in your own home without a lot of special equipment.
This is the second session in the five-part LTPL Seed School series. |
It's January! The LTPL Seed Library is open for business all year long with seasonally appropriate seeds added on an ongoing basis. The mission of the seed library is to promote gardening and encourage sustainability through seed saving. The seeds are available at no cost to you. Although it is not required, we hope that you will attempt to save seeds from your crops and return them to the seed library to help keep it self-sustaining. To use the seed library, simply make your selections and log your initials and number of packets taken on the clipboard. The clipboard and instructions are on top of the Seed Library cabinet.
Gardening handouts are available at the Seed Library and also on the LTPL Grows Webpage, along with informative videos! Seed Swap Alert! There will be a Seed Sale and Swap at Indian Springs Metropark on February 1!
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In January: - Sow seeds indoors that require a long growing time before planting outdoors: alliums, Mediterranean herbs, etc.
- Take inventory of your garden seed supply, and consider the age of the seeds. Most seed remain viable for 3-4 years if stored in a cool, dark, and dry location. Make note of seeds that need to be replenished.
- Visit the LTPL Seed Library often to see what has been added since your last visit.
- Look at seed catalogs and seed company websites for ideas for next year's garden. Request catalogs from seed companies if you prefer paper catalogs.
- Make sure houseplants are getting enough light, and adjust placement if necessary. Weak color and spindly stems mean the plant is stretching for light, so adding supplemental lighting and day length might be called for.
- Check houseplants weekly for pests. Look for tiny webs, gnats, scale, or tufts of white fuzz. Treat with an soap or neem oil solution that is safe for you and your pets.
- Check stored root vegetables weekly for quality and sprouting.
- Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools so they are ready to use in the spring.
- Take notes about your garden while it is still fresh in your mind. What did well, what didn't, and plans for next year.
- Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL Website.
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Plant geek alert! This book takes fascinating deep dives into the folklore and use of herbs throughout history. Culinary, healing, indigenous, poisonous, and monastic herbs are just a few of the topics covered. |
World-renowned herbalist Gladstar presents her safe, time-tested recipes for the health and healing of children. Teas, oils, balms, tinctures, and syrups are featured as well as other herbal healing strategies. |
The author, a cold-climate gardener, shares his wisdom of how to maintain interest year 'round using colorful twigs, pods, buds, bark, berries and structural plants. There is also advice on adding elements such as walls, paths, and containers. |
Michigan Gardener Magazine no longer publishes a print magazine. You can still visit the Michigan Gardener website for occasional new articles and the calendar, and browse through digital back issues of the print magazine and newsletters. |
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Find more information on LTPL Grows and other resources! |
Visit and "like" for gardening news, tips and upcoming events. |
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