Monday, January 19, 2026

Vegetables to Sow in January & February No Matter Your Growing Zone

 


Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"Whether you’re starting seeds indoors or in the garden, there are at least a few on this list that you need to get started now for a successful growing season."  Comment from Rural Sprout

I have seeds bought last year that were never started.  I'm a bad gardener since JR passed away two decades ago and I keep saying I'm going to get myself together.  Maybe this year is the year.  I certainly miss it.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.




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Plants That Must Be Pruned in January or February

 



Photo source:  Rural Sprout


"January and February may not necessarily be the months when we enjoy the fruits of our labor, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use them as stepping stones to set our gardens up for success for the growing season to come. 

Mid-to-late January and all of February are when I do a significant part of my pruning for the year, since I leave most of my perennials and shrubs in place during the fall season."  Comment from Rural Sprout

Following the gardening rules is the best practice, but you must learn them first.  I'm a bad gardener and don't follow rules, but I'm learning now.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.




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Your January Garden Checklist by Region to Start the Year Off Strong

 


Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

"January is the middle of winter, but no matter where you live, there are a few gardening tasks to be done this month. For gardeners in warmer climates, there are hands-on tasks to do outdoors, while in the northern part of the country, the focus is on planning, organizing, and prepping indoors."  Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

It is good to know what you need to do in January.  Our gardens in different parts of the world need different care.

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens article.



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Outdoor Plants You Should Always Bring Indoors Before Winter Hits

 


Photo source:  Real Simple


"Here are the best tips and advice from experts on which plants to bring indoors and how to best care for them."  Comment from Real Simple 

Even in Central Florida, zone 9b, we have to be up on what to do to keep our plants safe from frost.

Click here to go to the Real Simple article.




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Simple Secrets To Keep Your Marigolds Blooming

 

Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking for a few simple secrets to keep your marigolds blooming like crazy this year from spring all the way into late fall?"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

Marigolds are one of my favorite plants.  Learning new secrets is always a good thing

Click here to go to the Old World Garden Farms article.



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Sunday, January 18, 2026

Creative Things You Can Do With a Tree Stump

 


Photo source:  Rural Sprout

"A plain tree stump can be given renewed purpose as a one-of-a-kind lawn ornament, piece of furniture, or work of art.

So when life hands you a tree stump, it can be an excellent opportunity to let your creativity blossom. Here are 10 fantastic ideas for making an ordinary tree stump into something incredible."  Comment from Rural Sprout

This article is so important to me since Hurricane Irma created several tree stumps on my property, including one tree that fell on my house.  I look forward to give them a new purpose.

Click here to go to the Rural Sprout article.



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Friday, January 16, 2026

How To Build The Perfect Backyard Stone Fire Pit

 


Photo source:  Old World Garden Farms

"Looking to build the perfect backyard fire pit that looks great, works great – and can last for years and years without worry – all without costing a small fortune to create? And even better, one you can cook all kinds of incredible meals on? Then today’s article (and video) is just for you!"  Comment from Old World Garden Farms

There is nothing like relaxing outside by a fire pit on a chilly night.  We used to do it all the time and could wash away the stress of an awful day.

Click here to go to the Old World Garden Farms article.





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Statement Houseplants With Large Leaves

 


Photo source:  Birds and Blooms

"Thriving indoor plants create a refreshing ambiance in your home, any time of the year. Houseplants with large leaves offer high impact with minimal effort, making it easy to add a pop of green to every room. Here are our top picks for easy-care indoor houseplants with large leaves that really know how to bring the drama."  Comment from Birds and Blooms

These houseplants can bring a tropical look to your home.

Click here to go to the Birds and Blooms article.



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Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

 


Photo source:  Family Handyman

"A house with great curb appeal can turn heads - but yours can, too, with these smart ideas for landscaping your front yard and around your porch."  Comment from Family Handyman

It is always a good idea to look at beautifully landscaped yards to get inspiration and ideas to use for your yard.

Click here to go to the Family Handyman article.



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Ripen Tomatoes Indoors

 


Photo source:  Garden Betty

"As the threat of frost approaches, do you still have a few tomato plants hanging on? Rather than waiting for all those green tomatoes to ripen outdoors, bring them inside! Fully developed green tomatoes can be ripened indoors with no difference in quality, taste, or texture from vine-ripened tomatoes."  Comment from Garden Betty

Better to bring them indoors instead of leaving them on the plant to die.

Click here to go to the Garden Betty article.





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