Grey County Master Gardeners
Notes from my Garden: Susan Cox, Group Coordinator
"January is the quietist month in the garden. But just because it looks quiet, doesn't mean that nothing is happening" Rosalie Muller Wright.
Happy New Year to all of you!
I always see January as a time to reflect on what has happened over the past year and what I want to learn and accomplish in this new year. In January I start to plan my gardens for the upcoming year; thinking about what grew well previously, what needs moving and what i want to grow this year. I look to seed catalogues and magazines for inspiration. As well, my garden journals for each year provide valuable information on weather, growing conditions, etc that help me define and refine my gardens
This January, I also plan to do some winter seed sowing of native plants. Many native plants need a period of cold stratification. This means that by exposing seeds to below freezing temperatures, it helps to break down the seed coat so that the when the weather warms, moisture can enter more easily, and the seed will germinate. There are various methods and the one I use is to have pots of soil and thinly sprinkle the seeds on top, covering minimally, and setting the labelled pot on one of my garden beds. There are lots of resources on the internet if you are interested in trying this out!
January is also when I really see winter as starting and as a time of reflection and learning. For Christmas, I received a wonderful book on plant propagation and I'll be “consuming” that over the next few months in addition to taking a horticultural course. There are many online learning opportunities such as YouTube, webinars, courses, etc that help to fill our gardening needs
during the winter. Of course, Grey County Master Gardeners provide three free online seminars over the winter with the first being held January 25th on plant identification. I hope you will register and join us!
Happy 2025 Gardening!
Grey County Master Gardeners
We are trained volunteers who offer non-biased, science-based horticultural information and advice to home gardeners and community groups. Established in 1996, the Grey County Master Gardeners are a member group of Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI).
To help cover the costs of our community services, we request donations for our presentations. To make a donation to Grey County Master Gardeners, please contact us at greycountymg@gmail.com.
If you would like to learn more about Master Gardeners of Ontario or to join our Grey County Master Gardeners, please visit our Ask Us! page.
Organizations We Have Worked With
Owen Sound: on-site advice & demonstration on planting & growing food for CMHA Lunch Program (Union Place) & participating gardeners
The Edible Forest Learning Station: Hands-on learning session where Grade 7 students learn which forest plants are edible or have medicinal use.
Gardening resource books & the Gardener magazine subscriptions to libraries in Grey & Bruce counties
Markdale: on-site advice & demonstration on planting & growing food for participating gardeners
Installed Heritage Fruit Trees at Moreston Heritage Village, Grey Roots Museum & Archives