January has always conjured the idea
of rest to me. The holidays are over, the weather is usually cold, and
all I want to do is cuddle on the couch under a blanket. However, the
growing season is long in the South. The daffodils will start blooming in
mid-February and once they start, spring is not far away. Therefore,
almost as soon as the holidays are over, I must make plans to spend time
outside working in the yard to get ready for spring. My outdoor tasks for
the month include the following:
- Shovel the built-up ash from the burn pile into low areas in the yard.
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials. Pull out annuals killed by the frost.
- Pick up the rest of the fallen pecans.
- Rake leaves and distribute on the flower beds as mulch.
- Cut back the crepe myrtle trees.
- Trim the foliage back along the fence.
- Spread pre-emergent weed killer on the lawn.
Once I have the yard cleaned up, I
can start planning for the growing season.
This past Friday, the weather forecast
was sunny and 70 degrees F. I decided to take a day of vacation to work
outside in the blissfully warm weather, knowing that rain and a fresh cold
front were predicted for the weekend. I focused most of my attention on
the front yard and am pleased with my accomplishments. The pecans from
the front tree are picked up. The plants in the flower beds are freshly
trimmed and neat and the leaves are raked and piled on the beds as mulch.
I also pulled out last season's tomato vines and pepper plants in the square
foot garden and put the supports away in the shed. As can be seen from my
list, I still have much to do, but I am well on my way.
