January Task List for Dependable Gardens It is cold outside but for dedicated gardeners there are still things to do. There's always that stack of gardening catalogs to thumb through again. Need a new pruner or a specific type of shovel? Order now. Make of a list of new plants you would like to try this year; attempt something that might not be zone hardy and see how good your green thumb is. Try indoor gardening — DG now carries the Aerogarden hydroponic garden. Aerogardens come complete with seeds, fertilizer, growing light, and instructions. Additional seed kits for cherry tomatoes, peppers, salad greens, and various herbs are also available. Go for brisk walks and visit parks and nurseries to look at the bare structure of deciduous trees. This is a feature that is often forgotten about when trees are purchased but it is something that is part of the landscape 4 to 5 months of each year. The oval shape of European hornbeams, the broad reach of an English oak, or the crooked zigzag branches of a honeylocust are all distinctive. See how many trees you can recognize from their strucure alone. Field mice and voles can be a problem during the winter. Be sure to trim shrubs and grasses back 1 or 2 feet around the base of your trees leaving open space to discourage mice and voles from girdling the trunk while feeding on the inner cambial tissue. Deer can also be a concern — protect fruit trees especially (both ornamental and fruiting) with high enough fencing to discourage their feeding attempts. If you have moved any potted plants into a garage or shed for winter protection, don’t forget to give them a drink occasionally.

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