Landscape Checklist for January

Curb appeal is what everyone aims for, but how do you get that great looking yard? We all want a landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a magazine, and 2023 is the year to make it happen! Each month, we’ll put out a quick checklist of tasks to stay on top of yard maintenance. Here’s January’s list:

• January is a great time to plan, audit, and assess what’s going on in your landscape. What do you want to plant in your landscape? What did you plant in the past that didn’t grow as planned? Think about what you’ve accomplished and what you want to see get done. You can also get ahead of the game and order seeds now instead of waiting! 
• You can plant dormant trees and shrubs during winter months. Container, bare-root, and balled-and-burlapped plants are available to purchase this time of year. Planting trees and shrubs is not as intimidating as it seems. Here’s a quick tutorial video on proper planting. Remember to make sure the root ball is always even with the ground. 
• Working on your lawn is something that almost seems silly to do during winter months. However, you can apply lime to your lawn any month. Remember to only put out lime if your soil test analysis recommends it. Need help with soil testing? Just contact us here.
• Pest control is an important factor of having a great landscape. If you have broad-leaved evergreens or fruit trees, now is a great time to spray dormant oil to control a variety of pests. 
• Winter months are great for pruning! Remove any dead, diseased, or broken limbs on trees in your yard. If you have shrubs that seem out of control, go ahead and lightly shape them up. Remember to properly dispose of any clippings or limbs to prevent the spread of insects or diseases!
• Remember to keep bird feeders and water baths full. Your feathered friends are most desperate for food and water during dormant months. 
• You never can tell what the weather is going to do here in Mississippi! If temperatures get below freezing again, be sure to protect your tender plants and bring in potted plants.

If you don’t want to wait until we release the next month’s tasks, you can find the full yearly list in Extension Publication 3437, “Calendar of Home Gardening Chores in Mississippi.” Have fun this year as you work in the lawn and garden! Your neighbors will notice your hard work!