Farmers Weekly Review

I don’t know about you, but I stopped making New Year’s resolutions years ago. I instead just try to improve myself (no one else) a little every day, all year.
But when it comes to gardening, I use post-holiday winter down time to focus on resolving to try some new things in the garden each year — it can be new plants, new seeds, new gardening techniques or new design ideas. I always wish for someone new to do the weeding on those hot July days, but that resolution never comes true.
Gardening is a very personal sport. We all have our favorite plants and plan for those plants. But just outside of our garden, especially in January, are all those brightly colored seed catalogs with succulent vegetables, glistening cut watermelon and the biggest zinnias in the brightest colors you have ever laid eyes on.
But remember, Caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. When I say try a few new things, that is from experience. I am still working through seed packets I bought in the ‘90s; remember every new plant is new work, and this can make many gardeners through up their hands in late June, because it was all too much.
New is good, but less is more.
First thing, look at pictures you have either on your phone or in your mind from last year. And think what wasn’t great. That variety of tomato that didn’t have the best flavor, the cucumber that wilted from devastating bacterial wilt right after the first cuke was harvested. What about those flowers that had such pretty blossoms when you bought them, but during the summer had the weak stems so they didn’t stand up?
Ditch them all. There are so many new options out there … with everything.
Second, look at yourself … OK, well maybe not that literally, those holidays can pack on the pounds. But do consider if it is getting harder to get up and down from all those in ground beds. Is it time to consider more containers and finally commit to one or two raised beds. It will make gardening more comfortable and enjoyable.
Third, make an inventory of what you already have and how much work/enjoyment you get from each thing. Then, and only then, make the wish list. That realistically goes out the window the second the first nursery opens for spring. But still you can use it as a guide. Now, here are some new (and tried and true) options to consider:
For the vegetable garden, there are more and more intentionally grown for container vegetables coming out in 2023. Renee’s garden, for example, has vegetables for hanging baskets! Super Hero Sugar Snap Pea and Lit’l Bites Cherry Tomatoes. Just think how healthy you will be eating with these tasty vegetables right on the deck. The “think small” in growing is also gaining steam as people are downsizing their residences, their garden opportunities are also downsized. Container vegetables are a win-win.
In the ornamental landscape, attention is always on the flowers but I want you to look out right now, even in winter to your landscape on all sides — from the inside. Your garden should look as full from the window as it does at street view. Do you know what is missing? Most likely shrubs. Our gardens are missing the middle. Often because we don’t realize how important shrubs are to have a complete landscape, from our eye view and also for wildlife.
Do you know how many birds rely on shrubs for much of their summer habitat? Many. I know there has been a boom on hydrangeas everywhere — in every color and size. But try something new. A species of shrubs that are often overlooked are the viburnums, particularly the native ones. These are low-maintenance plants that offer it all: subtle flower beauty, fruit for wildlife, and many have stunning fall color.
And just a step above the shrub, is the next category — large shrub/small tree. These plants are so overlooked. Most grow 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, but you keep them smaller and decide if you want a tree or shrub form just by pruning. Cornus mas, or cornelian cherry, is in this category. This yellow spring flowering beauty is a great boost for the early pollinators and provides a small Roma cherry-shaped fruit that the robins love. And I guarantee you, you will be the only one to have one on your street.
People often ask me, what should I plant? My first recommendation is to drive around their neighborhood, look at all the plants, and do not plant anything you see there. This isn’t because I am some type of anti-conformist gardener; it is from a science perspective.
Why was emerald ash borer such a problem? Why was Dutch elm disease devastating? Because those trees were everywhere! Everyone had them, so when the pest came, their populations soared, and we were deforested. Variety is not only the spice of life in cooking, it is in planting, too. The move variety you have the less a pest will have.
So diversify this year; your garden will be healthier for it!

Johnny’s seeds Glow Stix Sunrise Carrot Mix