January Gardening To-Do List

In January in Georgia, some tasks you can do in your garden include:

• Cleaning up fallen leaves and debris – start a compost bin if possible.
• Checking for pests and diseases and taking steps to control them if necessary.
• Mulching beds to help retain moisture and protect roots from cold temperatures
• Testing soil pH and adding amendments as needed
• Preparing soil for spring planting by turning it over and removing any weeds
• Order seeds online or buy them in store so you will be ready.

How to compost leaves from garden

Composting leaves from the garden is a great way to recycle yard waste and create a rich, organic soil amendment. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Collect leaves in a compost bin or pile, making sure to mix in a variety of different types of organic matter such as grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds.
2. Chop or shred the leaves to make them break down faster. This can be done with a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, or compost shredder.
3. Add water to the pile as needed to maintain a moist consistency. The pile should feel like a damp sponge, not soaking wet.
4. Turn the pile regularly, at least once a week, to aerate it and to distribute the moisture and nutrients evenly.
5. Monitor the temperature of the pile. The ideal range for thermophilic composting is between 131 to 170 F.
6. Once the compost is finished, it will have a dark, rich color and a crumbly texture. Use it to amend soil and improve plant growth.
7. To speed up the process and make it more efficient, you can use a compost activator or inoculant, which contains specific microorganisms that help break down the organic matter.
8. It may take several months for the leaves to fully break down and decompose, depending on the size and composition of the pile, and the weather conditions.

Checking for pest and diaseses

The pests that may be present in a garden in January can vary depending on the location and specific plants that are being grown. However, here are a few common garden pests that may be present in January:

1. Slugs: Slugs can be active throughout the year, and they can damage seedlings and young plants by eating holes in leaves and stems.
2. Snails: Like slugs, snails can be active throughout the year, and they can also damage seedlings and young plants by eating holes in leaves and stems.
3. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found on a wide variety of plants. They can damage plants by sucking the sap out of leaves and stems, which can cause discoloration and wilting.
4. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that can be found on the undersides of leaves. They feed on the sap of plants and can cause damage by weakening the plant and spreading disease.
5. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that can be found on a wide variety of plants. They feed on the sap of plants and can cause damage by weakening the plant and spreading disease.
6. Spider Mites: Spider mites are small, eight-legged arachnids that can be found on a wide variety of plants. They feed on the sap of plants and can cause damage by weakening the plant and spreading disease.

It’s important to note that pests can be active year-round, but their activity level may vary depending on the weather conditions, in January, the pest activity will be low, but it’s always good to keep an eye on your plants, and act promptly if you notice any signs of pests.

Where to test the soil in GA

In Georgia, there are a few places where you can test your soil for pH and nutrient levels. Here are a few options:

1. County Extension Service: Many counties in Georgia have a Cooperative Extension Service office that offers soil testing services. These offices may charge a small fee for the service, but they can provide detailed results and recommendations for improving your soil.
2. Private Labs: There are private labs that offer soil testing services. They usually have websites where you can order a test kit and send a soil sample. They will then provide you with a detailed report on the pH, nutrient levels, and other characteristics of your soil.
3. Online Soil Test Kit: You can also purchase soil test kits online. These kits usually include instructions on how to collect a soil sample and a prepaid envelope to send the sample to the lab for analysis.

It is important to make sure that the lab you are sending the sample to is accredited and reliable. Also, it’s good to know that soil testing should be done regularly, especially if you are making changes to your garden such as adding new plants or amending the soil.

What seeds to start indoors in Atlanta

Starting seeds indoors in Atlanta can be a great way to get a head start on the growing season. Here are a few examples of seeds that can be started indoors:

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
2. Peppers: Peppers can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
3. Eggplants: Eggplants can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
4. Cucumbers: Cucumbers can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date.
5. Squash: Squash can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date.
6. Melons: Melons can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date.
7. Broccoli: Broccoli can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
8. Cauliflower: Cauliflower can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
9. Leeks: Leeks can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
10. Onions: Onions can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.

It’s important to keep in mind that the specific timing of when to start the seeds indoors will depend on your location and the weather conditions. It’s recommended to check the last frost date for your area before starting the seeds indoors.

Fun links:

For seeds:

www.johnnyseeds.com

www.botanicalinterests.com

For soil test:

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=c896