So many people make New Year’s Resolutions, but how many of us keep them? I go to the gym in January, and people are waiting everywhere. Go in March, however, and there’s not nearly as long a wait.
I’m going to make a few resolutions for my garden. We’ll see how I do.
My 2024 Garden Resolutions
- I know I don’t feed my flowers and veggies like I should, so I resolve to do better. At some point, plants use up certain nutrients in the soil. Nitrogen is essential for photosynthesis; phosphorus is necessary for blooming and fruiting. Potassium is necessary for moisture movement throughout the plant and overall plant vigor. At some point, you should get a soil test done to determine your numbers. And, of course, ALWAYS read the label directions—more is not better. Too much can kill a plant.
- I need to move the hardy orchids (bletilla) from the side of my house. Trees get bigger over time. The side of my house used to get a bit of dappled sun and bright shade, but my beautiful Redbud tree, about 10 feet tall 20 years ago, is now about 20 feet tall. The hardy orchids used to love the bright shade they got, but now they get only dense shade. The Redbud is lovely, but the shade is too dense, and the bletilla must be moved. I’ve been putting it off. No more…
- I resolve to continue to try new varieties in my garden. I always grew Better Boy tomatoes because my Dad grew Better Boys. Then, a few years ago, a friend gave me a tomato called Cherokee Purple, a rich-tasting, sweet, and smoky variety that is now my favorite. So, every year, I try a new variety—my favorite cherry tomato, now a heirloom variety called Sun Gold. The almost citrusy back-note seals the deal for me. And I found it by trying something new.
- I resolve to plant even more pollinator-friendly plants. Our pollinators are in trouble, so I will do what I can. Last year, I planted more milkweed for the monarchs and still only saw a few, but I did see LOTS of black swallowtail butterflies on my dill, so I will plant more this year. There are also lots of other pollinator-friendly flowers—like echinacea, marigolds, dahlias, and salvia, to name just a few.
- I promise this every year–to take time to smell the roses and not just fertilize them, water them, and prune them. So many times, I sit in the rocking chair on my deck to admire the Cardinal Climber vining over the trellis next to the deck. Next, I’m out of that chair, winding some of the tendrils around the trellis. Sometimes, I need to sit and watch the hummingbirds flutter around it.
We Can Help You Achieve Your 2024 Garden Resolutions
Whatever your gardening resolutions are this year, The Great Big Greenhouse is here to help you!
Happy New Year!