January

When the flower blooms, the bees come uninvited

Welcome to January, a month of frost and crisp mornings. The days are slowly getting longer, and both you and your garden are beginning to stir in preparation for the much-awaited spring.

Annuals are now starting to bloom. Salvias, petunias, pansies, geraniums, begonias, dahlias, calendulas, ranunculus, and lilliums will all begin to put on a show.

If you don’t have an outdoor space filled with flowers, this is the time of year you wish you did. The good news is that it’s not too late. Head to your local nurseries and pick up seasonal flowering potted plants. Avoid plants already in full bloom; these are often sourced from the hills and are past their prime. Instead, choose plants that are just beginning to flower, they will last well into March or even April.

Do keep an eye on public parks, roundabouts, and roadside gardens in Delhi. The municipalities and RWAs do a commendable job with winter flowers, and they offer plenty of inspiration.

As always during winter, ensure bird feeders are well stocked. Natural food sources are limited during colder months, and birds rely heavily on bird seed.

Garden Categories This Month

01 - House Plants

Most house plants are in a dormant phase and require less water, but do not stop watering altogether. Follow the golden rule: water only when the soil turns dry. During peak winter, watering once every 10 days is usually sufficient.

A diluted liquid feed of fermented cow dung works wonderfully at this time — it’s like warm wine for plants. This is also a good time to plant grapes. Existing grapevines should be pruned now.

Apply manure to all fruit trees, especially mango.

02 - Indoor Plants

Protect indoor plants from frost by keeping them under cover at night. Try to maintain a stable room temperature.

Most house plants struggle with sudden temperature changes. Warmth from heaters and cold drafts from windows and doors can stress them. The key to keeping your indoor jungle healthy is maintaining a reasonably constant temperature.

03 - Roses, Dahlias & Chrysanthemums

Roses are in full bloom — enjoy them, but regularly remove wilted flowers.

Dahlias require plenty of sunlight.

Pinch buds when plants reach about 15 inches to encourage branching
Water generously and mulch organically to conserve moisture
Stake plants as they grow taller

Chrysanthemums should be selected and prepared for next season. Cut them back to about 6 inches from the ground and tag them. New suckers will emerge soon.

04 - Bulbous Plants

Winter bulbs are in full bloom. When first planted, bulbs need very little water as they store their own moisture. Once flowering begins, water when the soil turns dry. Ranunculus (butter rose) and lilliums remain firm favourites.

05 - Vegetables

Sow melon and watermelon seeds
Plant brinjal saplings
Transplant spring onion seedlings — do not water until roots establish
Grow spinach, radish, beetroot, peas, lettuce, and coriander

06 - Seasonal Flowers

Winter flowers are now blooming well.

Water regularly
De-weed consistently
Debudding is essential — remove dead leaves and wilted flowers

Apart from looking untidy, dying flowers drain energy that could otherwise be used for new blooms.

07 - Herbs

Protect tulsi plants from frost. Ideally, they should receive full sun during the day and be covered with a thick plastic sheet at night. Older tulsi plants are easier to protect; younger ones are more fragile.

Parsley, celery, and rocket grow well now. If you find celery with roots attached, use the leaves but replant the base with a few smaller leaves intact. It roots easily and provides a steady supply.

08 - Lawns & Hedges

Remove winter frost from lawns every morning. Use a hose or lightly sprinkle water to wash it away. Watering should otherwise be limited to once every 2 to 3 days. Mow the lawn in the last week of January.

Repair hedges by planting cuttings and watering regularly.

09 - Succulents

January is a great time to propagate succulents by root division or cuttings. With the sun getting warmer, water once a week. Always water from below as watering from the top can cause rot.

Things To Do This Month

Dig out weeds completely, roots and all
Prune and tidy plants to refresh the garden
Trim hedges
Combine plants, merge weaker plants into one healthy display
Protect beneficial insects like ladybirds; use pesticides sparingly

Prevent pests and disease by spraying neem oil once a week
Watch for snails and slugs, especially on money plants and pothos
Relocate plants only with the full root ball intact
Repot when needed, or refresh topsoil if pots are too large

Happy Gardening 🌿

A Garden Ready to Bloom