January is one of the coldest and driest months here in Florida. Although we are still fortunate enough to continue gardening this month, there are a few precautions and steps you should take to for continued success in your landscape and gardens.

Pay attention to weather reports

Know what to do if winter decides to pay us a visit. In the case of a freeze warning, water your plants ahead of time (don’t let sprinklers run during the freeze), and have sheets and blankets ready to cover your tender plants.

Prune dormant and cold-hardy trees and shrubs

If you haven’t pruned them yet, it’s time to prune the dormant plants such as grapevines, apples, peaches, blueberries, roses, and crape myrtles. Cut off no more than one-third of the branches.

When pruning crape myrtles, be sure to remove all of the seed pods.

Sow Ryegrass (at the rate of 10 lbs per 1000 sq. ft.)

Fill in bare spots or green up a dull lawn with ryegrass. The seed will germinate in 7 to 10 days and will stay green until the hot weather returns in May or June.

Transplant deciduous trees or shrubs

January is a good month to transplant any deciduous trees and shrubs. Dig a good-sized root ball and be sure that the new location has light and water conditions similar to those in the old spot.

Use Bio-tone to help promote new root growth.

Give your houseplants a “shower”

Remove the dust that can clog leaf pores. Wipe them with a clean damp cloth or rinse them in the shower or sink with a spray head. This allows the plants to keep your air cleaner (and makes them look good too!).

Rid citrus trees of dormant pests

Use a triple spray of All Seasons Oil. Because of the citrus greening disease devastating Florida, it is important to treat your citrus EVERY 2 weeks with a mix of Genysis, Captain Jack’s, and Micronutrients.

Feed the birds

Many birds are heading south this time of year, so help them out by providing a little bird food, growing edible plants, and keeping a source of water available.

vegetables and herbs to plant now

It’s not too late to put a few cold-loving vegetable and herb plants in the ground.

Flowers to plant now

add some color to your landscape, and some pollinating plants to your garden with these beautiful, cold-loving flowering plants.

• alyssum

• flowering cabbage and kale

• lobelia

• pansies

• petunias

• snapdragons

• violas

Don’t forget to check out the farmer’s market to check out this month’s great selection of organic + local produce, vendor products, and a variety of culinary delights.

See you in the gardens!