January 2023
SNOW IN THE GARDEN F.A.Q.
Kristina Howley, Proven Winners® ColorChoice®
Snow: Love it or hate it, it’s normal to worry when you see it in the garden. Know that shrubs are often tougher than we give them credit for, and even after a rough winter, they’ll usually emerge in spring looking none the worse. Still have concerns? I’ve gathered a few of the most common questions from gardeners when snow threatens to fall.
TIPS FOR A HOTTER FIRE
Leroy Hite, Cutting Edge Firewood
A blazing fire indoors is a great tonic to beat the cold, gray days of January. But how do you get the most heat from your wood-burning fireplace? Cutting Edge Firewood offers these tips to make sure the fireplace keeps you nice and toasty this winter.
HOW TO INCORPORATE COLOR INTO YOUR LANDSCAPING
Joe Raboine, Belgard
Though we’re still deep in the winter months, it’s never too soon to start thinking about how to refresh your outdoor living spaces when spring comes around. In addition to routine maintenance, it may be time for a bit of a style upgrade. Adding new pops of color can give your outdoor living areas an instant improvement.
TOP TEN PLANTS FOR ADDING BIG SPRING COLOR INSTANTLY
Monrovia Nursery Company
Can't wait for spring? We're with you, so we put together a list of plants to add easy, instant color as soon as the spring weather hits. When you're eager to see blooms, butterflies, and bees, these plants deliver. Here are our top 10 flowering annuals, perennials, and shrubs that can bring life and cheer to your space ASAP.
STRETCH YOURSELF AS A GARDENER THIS YEAR
Therese Ciesinski, GardenSMART
Along with all the other New Year’s resolutions you may be making in January, how about resolving to challenge yourself as a gardener? Just try something new.
SHARE THE JOY OF BACKYARD BIRD FEEDING
Wild Birds Unlimited
Why do you feed the birds? Is it the sense of peace you experience when you glance out the windows at your feeders? Maybe it is your awareness of the shifting of the seasons, brought home by the changing birds and behaviors you see at your feeders.
THE BENEFITS OF MICROGREENS
Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf Market
What exactly are microgreens? They are the tender, leafy seedlings that first develop following seed germination. While they are small, they are mighty with nutrients. Because microgreens can be grown indoors from the comfort of your kitchen, you can also enjoy them all year long. 
LOOKING AT SOME HOT NEW POKERS!
Dan Heims, Terra Nova Nurseries
Hey there campers! Red hot pokers in January? Well, in Oregon at this time of year they look like grasses, but winter is the time to plan. You can plan on these diminutive pokers to fill your borders and containers with warm color all summer into fall! Very few plants have the flower-power, heat tolerance, and gardener/pollinator votes as do these gems.
2023 HOUSEPLANT TRENDS
Justin Hancock, Costa Farms
Wondering what’s fresh in the world of houseplants? From bold foliage to sustainable practices, here are five trends we’re seeing that are being embraced by new and experienced houseplant owners. 
INDOOR PLANTS THAT LIKE IT DRY
Therese Ciesinski, GardenSMART
The indoor plants we’ve become so fond of are obligingly adaptable. They tolerate conditions in our homes that don’t exist in their natural habitats. Most come from tropical regions, and are accustomed to high levels of humidity. But these five houseplants will stay lush and green even when the humidity is low.
NEW WINNING FLOWER AND VEGETABLE VARIETIES
Melinda Myers
It’s never too early to start planning new additions to this year’s gardens and containers. Start compiling your list now so you are ready to place your seed order or buy plants early when the selection is the greatest. Consider including a few All-America Selections (AAS) winners.
THE BEST PLANTS FOR NARROW WALKWAYS
GrowJoy
Looking for the best plants for narrow walkways? If you’ve been ignoring these awkward spaces around your house, it’s time for some ideas! Depending on your local climate and the size of your walkway, there are some wonderful plants to dress up the area. We’ve done all the research and came up with six great options.
COLLARDS AND EDIBLE FLOWERS
Pamela Crawford
We found this tin container in the kitchen department of a large store. It's an attractive choice for this cool-season combo. The mum flowers are edible (provided they have not been sprayed with chemicals). Use their petals on salads to add a strong taste and a little decoration. Learn more...
APHIDS
Therese Ciesinski, GardenSMART
Aphids are everywhere. You'll find them clustered on the rose bush outside your window and the houseplant inside it. Aphids have few defenses other than sheer numbers, along with an appetite for trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and vegetables. If it grows, there's an aphid that will eat it.
ESSENTIALS FOR INDOOR SEED STARTING
Home Garden Seed Association
Even if you don’t have access to a greenhouse, you can create conditions that will allow seedlings to thrive. Tops on the list of essentials are: A good source of light, air that circulates, adequate heat, and soil that holds water without becoming waterlogged. And it goes without saying that it’s essential to use good quality, fresh seeds! 
ARUGULA SURVIVES FRIGID WEATHER
Tommy C. Simmons
Unfortunately most of my flowerpot-based greens didn't survive our low teens winter weather. Did manage to harvest a handful of arugula, spinach and parsley for a salad. I've been wanting to mix roasted butternut squash with greens. I made a few changes to accommodate my greens selection, but loved the robust flavor of the squash and greens salad.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING SEEDS
Therese Ciesinski, GardenSMART
The bitter cold of the past few weeks has us dreaming of brilliantly colored flowers and produce ripening on the vine. While the payoff may be months away, it isn't too early to start gathering your thoughts, as well as the seeds you'll need to make that dream a reality.
IDEAL SOIL CONDITIONS FOR AZALEAS
When thinking about the natural habitat for an azalea we typically think about the amount of humus in the soil. When planting an Encore Azalea, what kind of soil conditions do we need? Watch the video...
AZALEAS: FROM PROPAGATION TO THE LANDSCAPE
GardenSMART visits one of the world's leading experts on azaleas and azalea breeding. There are few flowering shrubs that rival the sheer splendor of an azalea in bloom. They cover an amazing spectrum of color and form. Learn more...