GARDENER COLUMN: Resolutions | Home & Garden

As 2020 is finally coming to a close I, like many others, have started my list of New Year’s resolutions. Over the years, I’ve made resolutions and must admit have not always been successful. I have discovered that if I want to successfully accomplish my resolutions, I need to make them realistic. With that in mind, here are some realistic and attainable gardening resolutions for 2021 for you to consider adding to your list.

Plan better. Here in Wisconsin, we have the benefit of the colder weather which helps us take a break from outdoor gardening tasks. Winter in January is a great time to start planning next year’s gardens. Go back over your notes from last summer, assuming you took notes, to refresh your memory of what worked and what didn’t. Look outside to see where you might want to add plants for winter interest next season. Check your stored bulbs for spoilage, take stock of what seeds you already have, and determine what you need to purchase. If you need to order anything, order early to avoid discovering your desired seeds, bulbs, or plants are unavailable.

Try something new. This is a resolution that always makes my list every year. I like to try and learn new things. Do some research and find a new plant you want to try growing. If not a new plant, try a new variety of an old favorite. This is how I discovered New Zealand spinach – a spinach substitute; I was looking for spinach that did well in the summer heat. Try starting your bedding plants from seed instead of buying them. Consider planting a food plot just for donating to family, friends, or a local food pantry. I’m considering starting a cutting garden for annual flowers. I don’t really like to cut my flowers in my perennial beds, but this would allow me to have flowers in the house as well or to share.