While Southern Ontario gardens rest beneath a blanket of snow, January is far from idle for gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts. In fact, this quiet month is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming season, reflect on last year’s successes, and tend to the behind-the-scenes work that helps everything run smoothly come spring.
Tool Care & Maintenance
Now’s the time to bring your tools out of hiding. Pruners, shears, loppers, and spades all benefit from a mid-winter tune-up. Sharpen blades, oil moving parts, and check handles for wear. Well-maintained tools not only work better—they’re safer and easier on the body.
Planning & Design
January is perfect for dreaming and designing. Whether you’re looking to add raised beds, a new pollinator garden, or overhaul your landscaping layout, winter is the ideal season for thoughtful planning. Consider which plants thrived last year, what changes you’d like to make, and how you can incorporate more native and drought-tolerant species into your space.
Seed Catalogs & Early Orders
With seed catalogs arriving in the mail and online shops freshly stocked, now is a great time to browse and place your early orders. Popular heirloom and organic varieties often sell out fast. If you plan to start seeds indoors in late February or March, January is your window to get everything lined up.
Enjoy the Winter Interest
Even in the coldest months, the garden can offer moments of beauty. Ornamental grasses, seed heads, and evergreens bring texture and movement to the landscape. Birds, too, become more visible, especially near feeders or berry-laden shrubs like viburnum and holly. Take a moment to walk through your garden, noticing the subtle architecture that remains when everything else is asleep.
Winter Pruning (Selective)
While most pruning should wait until later in the season, certain dormant trees and shrubs—like fruit trees or summer-blooming varieties—can be pruned in mid-to-late winter when temperatures are stable and above -10°C. Always research specific plant needs before pruning in cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Gardening isn’t just about the growing months. It’s a year-round rhythm, and winter is when we restore ourselves and prepare our spaces for the return of light and life. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we embrace the quieter moments too—because they set the stage for all the beauty to come.