If heavy snowfall occurs in January, it is essential to brush it off the branches of trees and shrubs. This should be done after each snowfall, especially if it happens during a thaw. Wet snow can stick to plants and pose a risk of branch breakage.
Additionally, setting up bird feeders in January is crucial. Birds find it challenging to locate food beneath the snow, and providing feed helps them survive. In return, birds assist in protecting plants by eating pests that could harm your garden.
January is also the time to begin seed stratification. Some flowers, such as peonies and bellflowers, as well as many fruit trees, require cold and moisture exposure before they can germinate. These seeds should be stored in the refrigerator for 1.5 to 3 months (depending on the plant) before sowing.
If you plan to grow celery, now is the perfect time to sow root celery seeds. It has a long growing period—up to 180 days—so it is typically grown from seedlings. Experts recommend sowing seeds closer to the end of January to ensure a successful harvest.