With Christmas just around the corner and the cold and wet weather putting a halt to gardening work for many people, perhaps it is time to think about the new year and make some New Year’s resolutions. I’m really excited because we moved into our new home in August of this year and we haven’t even started on the garden yet other than a few pots planted with spring-flowering bulbs. Yet, as a gardener, we all remember the plants that died, the wrong decisions made on planting plans, the work needed to fix broken fences, and much more. Now, it can be tempting to make a long list of everything that needs to be done, but I would recommend dividing your list into what can be done each month, when funds allow. That way any gardening New Year’s resolutions can be accomplished throughout the year.
For me, and for many people, a new resolution might be “it’s time to start my new garden”. Still, starting a new garden can be expensive, but with a few hard grafts in the spring, cutting back the turf, turning the soil and adding some of the goodness and nutrients of homemade garden compost, well-rotted manure Or can be made with a handful. Bonemeal, and then spraying hardy annuals in early spring directly into the soil.
I recommend that once you have selected hardy annuals you do some research and find out how they grow in their natural environment. Do they need full day sun? Do they need partial shade? Should the soil be poor or well fed? So, perhaps a gardening New Year’s resolution, in this case, is to take your time to plan your garden by selecting the right plants for the right conditions to suit your garden setting, and winter is the time to complete such research. Time is right.
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If you love plants but have been hit by pests and diseases this year and haven’t had much luck keeping them away, again research the plants in your garden and find out how you can win the battle. Perhaps it comes down to selecting plants that have similar flowers and habits that are disease-free or disease-resistant.
Perhaps it means spending a little more gardening time with these plants each week and keeping on top of pests and diseases or stopping them before they start. Perhaps it comes down to improved air circulation and revitalization pruning or applying sticky bands around tree trunks to protect fruit crops.
Whatever the battle against pests and diseases, it is paramount to know what they are, why they are occurring and what solutions and applications you may need to implement.
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If you love plants but have been hit by pests and diseases this year and haven’t had much luck keeping them away, again research the plants in your garden and find out how you can win the battle. Perhaps it comes down to selecting plants that have similar flowers and habits that are disease-free or disease-resistant. Perhaps it means spending a little more gardening time with these plants each week and keeping on top of pests and diseases or stopping them before they start. Perhaps it comes down to improved air circulation and revitalization pruning or applying sticky bands around tree trunks to protect fruit crops.
Whatever the battle against pests and diseases, it is paramount to know what they are, why they are occurring and what solutions and applications you may need to implement.
With the cost of living rising at an alarming rate, finding the extra money to garden can be difficult for many. But it’s not just about finding the money, the prices of gardening products, plants, tools and furnishings are on the rise, so something you’ve been saving up for may now be out of reach.
This is where smart shopping can help. It may be cheaper to find the same or similar product(s) in the United States, Europe or beyond, and have it shipped to you. Of course, this is a lot of work, but there are savings to be made. When it comes to plants, there are thousands of websites selling them, but always read the description before adding them to your cart.
A picture may show a full grown plant, but the description will say ‘a seedling’ or ‘a plug plant’ or ‘a cutting’, which will be a young plant that needs a year or two or more to grow. Will be final size. Buying furniture is a difficult task. Personally, I like to feel the materials used on the furniture, so read the small print and return policy before buying.
Make sure you can return items if you’re not happy with them, and check to see who has to pay for returns. This is not always the responsibility of the supplier.
So, in this case, the New Year’s resolution to buy is to always read the description and the small print before being tempted by the pretty pictures.
When it comes to fixing fences, shed roofs, wood furniture, raised beds or broken glass panels in a greenhouse, chat with neighbors or local gardening clubs and see if you can help keep costs down. Contribute to doing or sharing equipment etc. I always advise new gardeners and experienced gardeners who have moved to a new area to hunt down local gardening clubs and societies.
Not only will you make new friends, but you’ll be able to use other people’s knowledge and experience, perhaps swap plants, share seeds, and more. Many groups have websites, but you can also look on social media, look through the classifieds in local, free papers and chat with neighbors or the local post office if it’s a small village or hamlet.
The local pub owner may also know or, as was the case in our small village in Kent, he was part of the local gardening club and sold plants outside the pub.
Thankfully, there is no discrimination or barriers in gardening. If your gardening New Year’s resolution is to find like-minded people in the field, I assure you, you’ll find new friends and a social network that will help in more ways than one. Making New Year’s resolutions is a great way to focus the mind, but just remember that you can always change your mind throughout the year (I know I always do).
Don’t be hard on yourself and don’t make too many gardening promises. Gardening should be fun and not a chore. In the meantime, enjoy the festive season, sit back, relax with a mince pie and a glass full of your favorite drink, and plan for a wonderful 2023.