January is normally cold and dry month for us here in Brevard County, Florida. Although we are fortunate enough to continue gardening this month, there are a few precautions and steps you can take for continued success.

Pay attention to weather reports

The average first frost date in our area usually falls in early to mid-December, and the average last frost date is often around late February to early March. However, these dates can vary from year to year due to fluctuating weather patterns.

In the event of a freeze warning, water your plants ahead of time (avoid running sprinklers during the freeze) and keep sheets and blankets on hand in case you have to cover any tender plants.

Check out this helpful video featuring Liz and Brian as they prepare Rockledge Gardens for a potential frost.

Prune dormant and cold-hardy trees and shrubs

Now is the time to prune cold hardy, dormant plants such as grapevines, apples, peaches, blueberries, roses, and crape myrtles.

Prune no more than one-third of the branches. Simply drop the clippings into your garden so they can serve as a natural mulch.

*When pruning crape myrtles, be sure to remove and dispose of the seed pods.

Sow Ryegrass (at the rate of 10 lbs per 1000 sq. ft.)

During winter, when your regular lawn grass tends to die back and lose its vibrancy, green it up with ryegrass.

Rye grass seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days and will stay green until the hot weather takes them out in May or June. Great for patching up bare spots in your lawn to keep it green all winter long.

Transplant deciduous trees or shrubs

January is a great time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs, as they are dormant in winter. Planting while in the dormancy stage not only reduces transplant shock but it allows for strong root development before our brutal summer heat.

Want to know some of our best practices for planting new plants? Check out our New Plant Handout.

Houseplant Care

It is common for houseplants to collect dust and now is a great time to wipe them clean. Use a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris to prevent clogged leaf pores and obstruct sunlight to the leaves.

Grow your own bird feed

Many birds are heading south this time of year, so help them out by growing edible plants, like Florida Hollys, and keeping a clean source of water available for them to drink.

vegetables and herbs to plant now

Plant cold-loving vegetables + herbs from seed or transplant!

Flowers to plant now

Continue adding color to your landscape. Our annual + perennials section is full of beautiful, cold-loving flowering plants that will add color to your landscape and pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden.

• alyssum

• flowering cabbage and kale

• lobelia

• pansies

• petunias

• snapdragons

• violas

Don’t forget to check out our farmer’s market for a great selection of culinary delights, local produce, and vendor products.

See you in the gardens!