7 Gardening Goals To Set—and Accomplish—in The New Year

Tara Moore/Getty

do you like gardening If so, you know that one of the most rewarding outcomes is watching your green space grow and develop over time. To make your approach to gardening more predictable (and reap the rewards of your hard work!), set new goals for the new year.

Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned pro, following these expert ideas will help you formulate a landscaping plan and stick to it for the next 365 days.

See also: 15 small garden ideas to make the most of your outdoor space

Organized

The only way to achieve higher goals in gardening is to set it up first – get organized and wait for the next season,” explains Rebecca Sears, Ferry-Morse Marketing Director and local gardening expert. "I like to start the new year with an organized plan for the upcoming gardening season, starting simply with cleaning indoor and outdoor spaces or preparing pots and tools for future use," says Sears. "Imagine my spring garden coming to life during the cold, dreary winter, giving me what awaits."

To prepare for the upcoming growing season, it's important to know your hardiness zone before warm weather, Sears says. This will help you identify the strains that will thrive in your area. "Another great New Year's organizing tool is a garden planner, which allows you to keep your gardening goals and aspirations in one place and track your progress towards those goals throughout the year," she says.

Andrea Rugh/GETTY IMAGES

Turn your garden into an oasis

In addition to envisioning what you will grow in your garden, make it a goal to enjoy your time there. Consider adding comfortable seating, for example. Consider, for example, a set of patio furniture so you can enjoy the beauty of the space and your hard work, says Ashley Nussman-Berry, founder and manager of the Black Planters Facebook group. "Making this space enjoyable will make all of gardening feel less time-consuming, and you'll be able to take a break to enjoy the fruits (hopefully, literally, if you're growing it!) of your hard work," she adds.

Add comfortable seats and raised elements

Other features can also make your yard more comfortable and quiet, says Kathy Tamoni, Monrovia's director of marketing and taster. "We're seeing people invest more and more in quality furniture, decorative fireplaces, pizza ovens, water features and more to create relaxing and enjoyable outdoor spaces," he says.

Fill rooms with unique green plants

The plants you choose can also help create a more relaxed atmosphere: Look for varieties with ombre hues, textured foliage, cool tropicals and windswept grasses, Tamoni says. Your houseplants can join in, too: "Larger plants that normally live indoors are brought outside for the season to create a lush, relaxing atmosphere," she says.

grow something new

There's no better time than now to think about growing something new in your garden. Consider it a welcome challenge, Nussman-Berry suggests. "You're expanding your knowledge of plants, and what better way to learn than through trial and error?" She says. "You can even discover new families of plants that you like."

try philodendron

Suggests to try philodendron in the new year. While Nussman-Berry notes that monstera plants have become popular in recent years, this low-maintenance option can be seen (and grown!) both indoors and outdoors. "Give them some light and let them dry out between waterings and they'll be happy," she says. “They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, so there's a perfect philodendron for every plant lover.

GET THE PICTURES

Introducing fashionable colors

If you like to add color to your home, do the same in your garden. Consider taking a look at trending colors and picking colors for next year that can inspire the hues you incorporate into your landscape. "Pantone's 2023 color of the year is a vibrant magenta, a beautiful deep purple red," says Sears. To add these "bright, modern bursts of color" to your garden, plant morning glory, sweet willow or zinnia, he suggests.

add more flavor

Increasing the fragrance quotient of your garden is a goal to strive for in 2023. Planting rose bushes is an easy way to do this, Tamoni suggests, noting that novice gardeners and home gardeners are turning to these flowers to enhance their garden. olfactory (and visual) stimuli. In addition to in-ground growing options, consider a climbing rose variety that can grow up to 8 feet tall; It is an ideal option for covering gazebos or pergolas.

GET THE PICTURES

Invite more pollinators

Birds and insects are an integral part of our growing landscape, so encouraging these pollinators to come and stay for a while should be another top priority. To welcome them into your garden, fill your green space with a variety of plants that serve as a food source for these creatures. Consider options like black-eyed Susans to attract more butterflies and daylilies to attract hummingbirds. "You also need to slow down and observe nature in your own backyard - what are the birds doing? What plants are haunted by bees and butterflies? Tamoni asked. "We're seeing an increase in this trend, especially among young outfielders."

Check regularly for pests

Check your houseplants regularly for pests, Nussman-Berry says. Look for signs of discoloration and webbing leaves; Catching them early can help you catch an infestation before it spreads or potentially kills the plant. "Being vigilant and taking the time to research plant diseases and pests can save time, effort, money and headaches," he says. "If you notice something strange about your plant, ask online plant groups for advice, read a book, or review your observations to learn how to handle and care for them."