Things to Do in January
It is not quite time to start plants in the greenhouse for transplanting if you want to grow your own. Best to wait until at least late January.
Vegetables that can be planted in January are: radishes, lettuce. beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collards, English peas, Irish potatoes, kale kohlrabi, leeks, mustard, Swiss chard, turnips and spinach. Onions should be transplanted in January. Buy a bundle at the grocery store or nursery.
There should be a planting guide in the shed that is more specific of when to plant. Look at it before you plant.
Beds are to have compost applied and the beds tilled sometime between Jan. 30 and Feb.28. If you do not want yours tilled then give the garden manager a written note that you do not want it tilled. Those with things already growing should not have it tilled.
At the time of tilling, we are told, compost will be applied to those beds that are low, unless notice is given in writing that you do not want more compost.
Mulching is recommended to help the plants through dry times. January can be fairly dry.
Apply a water soluble fertilizer that has a high middle number at half strength ever week or two for vigorous plants.
Now is the time to do raised beds if you want to improve drainage in overly wet weather. Simply dig a trench down the middle of the bed, putting the dug material on the sides. Then you can walk down the trench to work the bed and not pack the soil in the growing area. It does make a difference. Also, you do not have to stoop as low to work the bed, to keep out weeds and grass.
This is not a true raised bed, but probably as close as can be expected in these circumstances. If you want to go further you can put boards up to keep sides of the trench from sloughing.
Last month you were told to put bulbs in the refrigerator for planting in January. They can be planted in a pot for house flowers. Month By Month Gardening... instructions are as follows, using bulbs that have been refrigerated:
Fill a pot that has a drainage hole 2/3s full of good potting soil.
Place enough bulbs, pointed end up, on the soil surface to fill the pot without the bulbs touching. Tulip bulbs are planted with the flat side toward the outside.
Add low release fertilizer.
Add soil until just the tips are showing.
Water thoroughly.
Place the container outside in the shade or the greenhouse.
Keep it evenly moist, not soaking wet.
When the sprouts are about an inch high move them into a sunny location.
If freezing weather is to be, move them to a safe location.
Move plants back outside as soon as temperature allows.
When the buds begin to show color move them inside and enjoy.
Some annuals can be transplanted. Check availability at a nursery. They include alyssum, annual phlox, calendula, forget-me-nots, nasturtium, pansies, Dianthus, viola and snapdragon. These can be started from seed in the greenhouse if you are inclined.