January garden tasks for cold-weather gardeners include winter maintenance, starting seeds early indoors, creative crafts and DIY projects, and planning for the next growing season.
This checklist is designed for gardeners in Canada and the United States (hardiness zones 4 to 8) who live in areas with four seasons. For a year-round overview, see also Annual Garden Checklist (Things to Do Each Season).
January garden checklist
Here in southwestern Ontario, Canada, January is often winter. The last gasps of autumn have been blown away along with the leaves, leaving the trees and land bare and temperatures hovering around freezing.
However, it is not uncommon to experience extreme cold as well as mild warmth. You never know!
An ice storm could cause severe damage to trees and shrubs in the next week.
The next week will bring warmer days, and a variety of spring bulbs will make a surprising appearance, and crocuses and snowdrops may add some color to otherwise monochromatic landscapes.
A few winters ago, I saw bees out in mid-January. It was only a short burst of warmth, but it was enough to wake them from their winter slumber.
On the same day in other years, deep snow may fall, hiding perennials until spring.
Not only does the weather vary widely, but every garden is unique.
We hope these suggestions give you some ideas for your to-do list.
I categorized them into the categories of “Grow,” “Create,” and “Ideas.”
growing up
Planting, sowing and preparation
outdoor
pond
wild animals
indoor
make
creative winter projects
Whether you like cold weather or not, snow is beautiful. Glaring. Bright sunshine. Quiet. bird. snowflake. I love them all.
Here are some project ideas.
idea
dreams and plans
resource
ebook
Seed start for beginners
Sow seeds inside, grow outside
Written by Melissa J. Will
new edition |Everything you need to start indoor seeds for indoor and outdoor plants. Grow whatever you want any time of the year.
About this ebook |Visit the ebook shop
This eBook is a digital file (in PDF format) that is saved on your device. It’s not a physical product.
PayPal, credit card, Apple Pay
available in 
US & 
Canada only
garden planner
empress of dirt
printable garden planner and notes
An assortment of basic garden checklists, undated calendars, and note pages to plan and track your gardening season.
About Planners |Visit eBook Shop
This is a digital file (in PDF format) that you save on your device so that you can print as many copies as you like for your personal use. It’s not a physical product.
PayPal, credit card, or Apple Pay
available in US & Canada only
Have a fun January!
~Melissa Empress of Dirt ♛
