Stillness

 

January 2025

Pickaway to Garden

Stillness

By Paul Hang

 

Several days ago the astronomical new year began. December 21^st marked the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. It was the Winter Solstice. That is the day when the sun appears to stand still, if only for a second. That moment was when the earth’s axis pointed exactly away from the sun, in our annual revolution around old Sol. That pause should give us pause.

 

As the calendar year begins let us pause and be still. Gardening is movement; digging, weeding, pruning, mulching and all manner of activities. At this time of year let’s take a hint from the sun and be still for a while. Take the time to just be still. Being still gives time to contemplate, appreciate, rest.

 

As I have said before, I enjoy thinking and writing about gardening about as much as the activity of gardening. I like to think about what gardening does for me. I get physical exercise, fresh air, a purpose, a reason to get out of the house during my “retirement.” I enjoy the beauty of plants and the wildlife my garden attracts (except for the neighbor’s cats). I like to hear the birds, smell the flowers and the earth, see the insects going about their business. I enjoy the cycles of the seasons and their effect on plants and us.

 

While you’re being still, think about why you garden or why you might like to garden. Even if it is house plant or two, caring for them is gardening. Read a book about gardening or nature. Be leisurely. The days are getting noticeably longer. The earth will begin to stir, ever so slightly. It will be time, soon enough, to mark those seed and plant catalogs with what you might like, to plan and order supplies before another busy season. Ignore the “Things to do in the garden” if just for a little while.

 

If you are choosing to start some plants from seed indoors, better get your supplies together. Peruse the seed catalogs. Dream a little. Someone said “The best gardener is one who does the most gardening by the winter fire.”

 

Things to do in the garden:

 

The list of things to do in the garden has gotten shorter. Things we can do about gardening are: Review last year's garden; draw a map while you can still remember what grew where. Plan your gardens and plantings. One of my favorite guides for this is The Ohio Gardening Guide by Jerry Minnich.

 

Check your supply of old seeds. Are they expired? Do you want to reorder that variety? Read your new seed catalogs. Want some more seed catalogs? Go to gardeningplaces.com. Order seeds and plants of new varieties that you want now. They usually sell out quickly.

 

Believe it or not, by the end of the month, you can begin to grow members of the Allium family (Onions, Leeks, Garlic and Shallots) from seed indoors. You can get ready by getting your seed starting supplies together. Make sure you provide plenty of light.

 

Cut back on watering your houseplants and don’t fertilize until March or April when growth begins as the amount of light lengthens, rinse/dust leaves, turn the pots every few days. When your poinsettias are looking ragged throw them on the compost heap. The same goes for paper whites. In my opinion it is not worth trying to get them to bloom again. If you like a challenge, go ahead but be prepared for disappointment. Amaryllis and Christmas cactus are exceptions and can be kept for re-blooming. Check the internet for instructions.

 

Establish a new bed by placing black plastic or several layers of newspaper, cardboard or even old carpet down over the area you’ve chosen for the new bed. Weight it down so the wind doesn’t disturb it. By late spring the vegetation under it should be dead and the space ready for planting.

 

Learn to sharpen your tools, trowels, pruners, spades and if you are adventurous, your mower blades. Oil them and use linseed oil on the wooden handles. Getting rid of a cut live Christmas tree? Don’t. Use it to serve as a wind break for evergreens. Cut the branches off and use them as mulch for perennials. Put it near your bird feeders as cover. Decorate it with suet, fruit, seed cakes, as a bird feeder. Chip it for mulch. If you have a pond, sink it for structure cover for fish. The needles can also be mulch and will not make the soil too acidic. If you had a balled live Christmas tree, plant it ASAP.

 

Some gardening resolutions: Rotate vegetable crops; water the base of plants, not from above; weed and mulch; use row covers; water newly planted trees and shrubs; visit and scout your garden often. Happy New Year.