January is a time to look backward and forward for the gardener too. Like the god Janus for whom January is named, the gardener has one head facing backward taking care of plants that are growing and one looking forward to the new plants that will be available.

By this time of year most gardeners have turned their attention to indoor gardening. The cuttings that have taken root probably need to be repotted about now. Choose a pot that is about 1 size larger than the current pot. Be sure that it is sterile by washing it in the dishwasher or rinsing with a mild solution of Clorox and then rinsing thoroughly. After the pot is air dried, fill the bottom with some perlite and vermiculite for drainage. If the soil seems to seep out, a large coffee filter can be used to keep it in place and allow drainage. Add enriched potting soil as needed. It is also a good time to assess the condition of all potted plants in the house to see if they need fresh soil. Follow the above procedure and gently shake off some of the old soil without disturbing the plant too much. Some times salts and minerals crust the sides and top of the soil and the plant needs to be refreshed. It is wise to fertilize your plants with a liquid fertilizer like Peters or Schultz. Read directions carefully and follow the guidelines given. Safer All Purpose Fertilizer with fish emulsion is also good to use. This 5-1-1 mix is diluted and has a faint odor but the plants seem to perk up considerably when it is used once every other week or so. Be sure to check your indoor plants daily. Look for correct placement as far as light exposure and appropriate watering. Check the leaves in particular to see if there are signs of uneven watering or browning at the edges. Another cause of this condition is too close a proximity to cold windows and drafts. Occasional misting or placement in a tub or sink for misting is often refreshing for plants. Avoid doing this with African Violets or any fuzzy leaved plant. Bottom watering for African violets and orchids is a good idea.

In January those wonderful catalogues arrive and set the gardener dreaming about what might be in the next season. Here is a list of some that are available for free on the internet: jacksonandperkins.com, whiteflowerfarm.com, waysidegardens.com, jungseed.com. There are also many good gardening magazines available such as GardenGateMagazine.com, clgardener.com (Country Living Gardener), Better Homes and Gardens, Horticulture, etc. The American Horticultural Society is a wonderful organization to join for $35 a year. Membership includes a subscription to The American Gardener as well as a gardener’s information service, reciprocal admissions programs to botanical gardens throughout North American and many other bonuses.

There are some new annuals that are being featured this year in the magazines and catalogues. If you know in advance, you can find them more easily and perhaps ask your local nursery to order some plants for you when they are available. One plant that caught my eye is a white lantana called “Lucky White.” I used this last season as an accent plant and it was beautiful all season. Another new version of a favorite plant is Angelonia “AngelMist White Cloud.” Angelonias last all season in the garden or in containers in full sun. A new petunia is a double petunia called “Ruffle Plum Veined Improved” which is a lovely cascading plant that lasts all season in pots. Another find is a new impatiens called “Jungle Gold”. It promises a golden-orange flower that stands above glossy bright green leaves. It will be stunning in shady gardens with cool conditions and moist well-drained soil. There are new species of Bacopa called” Abunda White Imp” and “Breeze Upright Lavender” that promise flowers from spring to first frost. Bacopa is a small star-shaped, branching flower that is often used to cascade down the sides of pots. The new species of Calbrachoa are “Starlette Sunset” with large terra-cotta flowers and “Superbells Pink Kiss” with a blush-pink flower and yellow throat both of which are perfect for full sun and hanging baskets. These petunia like plants are prolific bloomers that need no dead heading and thrive in full sun.

Are you starting to dream of those beautiful spring and summer days in the garden yet? I hope so because next month there will be more information on new perennials to set your mind spinning.

Gardens by Judy,
---- Have your garden questions answered by Judy. Questions and answers will be included in the monthly column. Send an e-mail to: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

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About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.