Though you wouldn't know it from looking at my yard recently, I'm a Master Gardener.  Each month Bill McCaleb, Halifax County's Master Gardener Coordinator, puts out a list of gardening tips for the month and I'll share them on here.

January Gardening Tips:

Even though nothing is growing right now, the winter is a good time to keep your garden in shape. Check out the following winter garden tips to make sure your garden is ready to grow in the spring.

• Clean up your garden before the next snow comes.  Pull up any dead plants that are left and put them in your compost pile.  That way they can become fertilizer for your spring garden.  Also, be sure your garden is free of weeds and debris. If it is too wet to till, wait for drier weather.
• Proper cleaning and storing your garden tools will keep them working for you for many years to come.  It is easiest to clean your garden tools before you store them. That way you’ll avoid that arduous task in the spring.  Your tools will all be ready for use, come spring.  
• When the next snow does come, try not to shovel salted snow onto your lawn or garden areas.  It can damage your soil.
• If you still need to order seeds, this should be done before the end of January so you have them on hand in time for the early seeding that needs to be done with tomatoes and peppers.  Make sure you have a sunny warm south facing window to start those plants in.  Soil needs to remain at least 68° or above for good germination and growth.
• Think about your past year with your garden.  What worked and what didn’t work?  Did certain crops or flowers go to waste while there were others which you never could get enough?  The winter is a good time to plan your garden for the next year.  Make a list of which crops and flowers you want for each season.  Sketch the layout of your garden for the spring.  You get to start fresh when winter is over so you have no limits in planning your garden
• Build a bench where you can sit and take a break while tending your garden.  You can complete projects such as this in your garage or shop and have them ready to bring outside when winter is over.

Obviously, your garden is not as much hard work in the winter.  But, by maintaining and planning, you can prepare your garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor come spring.  Happy Gardening in 2010!