Backyard Farmer Newsletter

January Newsletter

A Happy, 'Green & Growing' New Year to you all! Welcome to the brand new Backyard Farmer monthly newsletter. Your source for the latest gardening trends, to keep you informed about what, when, and how to tackle your landscape. Every month we will deliver important information about Lawn & Weeds, Fruits & Vegetables, Insects, Pest Control, Plant Disease Management, along with timing and tips to keep your thumb green and your property flourishing.

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New Years Resolution: Assess Damage, Examine Structure, Cut Back

January is the perfect time to assess your landscape for damage, and prune back your deciduous trees and shrubs, which are dormant and have lost their foliage. Use this opportunity to examine your plants structure and eliminate branches less than one inch in diameter which are not helpful for your plant's growth. This is also a great time to clean up damaged branches, by making a clean cut. However, this is not the time to prune your coniferous trees and shrubs, wait until late-Spring, following the last frost.

Video: Pruning in January

Diagnose Tree Damage

Dormant season is ideal for assessing the structural health of trees and shrubs. Look for dead or damaged branches, cankers, or signs of disease that may have gone unnoticed during the growing season.

Video: Winter Tree Inspection

Preparation is key to Garden Success

Consider Space, Time, and Use. Review seed catalogs and plan your vegetable garden layout. Do you need to start seeds inside or direct sow? When do you want to harvest? So many things to consider when planting a garden, make it easier by checking out these resources.

BYF Website: Start Gardening

Video: Starting a Vegetable Garden

Winter Lawn Care

The Winter months are a perfect time to service and sharpen your lawn equipment to prepare for the Spring.

If you missed your opportunity to overseed in the Fall, don't worry, Dormant seeding to the 'Fescue'. 😂

Article: Dormant Lawn Seeding

Video: Dormant Seeding

Keep Insects Outside

Inspect indoor areas for overwintering insects like spiders, roaches, and stink bugs. Seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and foundations to prevent entry. Clean up debris in yards and gardens to reduce overwintering spots for pests.

Infographic: Insects, The Incidental Invader

Video: Home Insect Invaders