Most of my garden is planted with perennials except for the vegetables. However, the asparagus and some herbs are also perennials so they’re included in this category as well. Therefore, I spend most of my gardening planning with the new seed catalogues coming in and gardening books I haven’t gotten to yet.
Part of planning can be planting and transplanting, figuring out locations where my plants will be happiest and grow best depending on summer sun and watering needs. Most of the time, I don’t know what a perennial will do in my garden untill 2-3 years have passed. I then can assess whether another location for the plant would be better. However, I’m sure to cut it back, compost it well, and cover it withshredded leaves.
Be sure to also mulch well over the crowns and roots for the less hardy varieties during the coldest days to prevent frost damage. Pine straw, clean hay, pine bark mulch, and shredded leaves all work well for this purpose. Mulch such perennials as asparagus, ferns, ruellia, salvia, and roses.
January weather is typically cold and rainy. That, and the fact that most perennials are generally dormant, makes watering unnecessary. However, if the weather turns mild and/or dry, water as needed, not on a preset schedule. Perennials are also not in need of fertilization this month since they are asleep. However, I do scatter chicken poop occasionally as I clean out my chicken coop every other day.
Nevertheless, January is a great time to prune, especially after a hard freeze. Cut back and remove old, dead portions, especially in the upper half and inner branches that hinder sunlight. I need to cut way back my coral honeysuckle, plumbago, turks cap, roses, and midnight blue giant salvia. Sharp bypass pruners usually work best for this type of pruning. Speaking of tools, this is also a great time to thoroughly clean your garden tools. Soak in vinegar over night, scrub and rinse thoroughly, then lubricate with mineral oil.
Only two more months till spring in Texas! Hang in there!
Have you put your garden to bed?
I prefer fall and winter, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape – the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.