Forced bulbs—faded but maybe not dead

If you forced tulips, daffodils or crocus for the holidays – or if you received them as a gift – save them in a cool dry place (a basement is ideal) and put a reminder on your calendar to plant them in the garden as soon as the ground thaws.  Those forced in water, such as paperwhites, cannot be saved and should go in the compost.

Time on your hands this month?

Read a gardening book, work your way through gardening magazines you didn’t have time for last summer.  Look for upcoming classes that interest you.   All your growing should not take place in soil.  January is a great time to stretch your mind.

Are you starting seeds indoors?

Begin by first cleaning up seed-starting pots and trays.  Then disinfect them before planting so your work and seeds are not in vain.  Start seeds early this month for herbs such as parsley, oregano, thyme and chives as well as pansies so they are ready to set out in early spring.  Start seeds for onions and leeks at the end of the month for a great summer harvest.

Eco-Film Series in Lowell

You're invited by the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust to attend any and all of these wonderful eco-films!  

From LP&CT's website:

Mark your calendars for the last Tuesday of the month, January – June! Our Eco-Film Series is right around the corner!

We are excited to announce the line up for our 2018 Eco-Film Series: Taking Action.  From sheep farmers, to chiefs, to everyday citizens, the film series this year highlights the everyday actions we can all do to have a positive impact on the environment and our community.

This FREE series is offered annually, in partnership with the Lowell Film Collaborative. Films are screened at our Venue Partner, the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street, Lowell.

Deer dining?

Deer are at their hungriest right now.  You don’t have to wait for all your snow to melt.  Re-apply deer repellents to evergreens and any other plants they have favored in the past, but only when the temperature is above 40 degrees.