On those nice days in January it’s a great time to get out to enjoy fresh air, make note of what needs to be done in the coming weeks, and see what needs attention. 

These are a few things I do to help keep on top and not get behind on my to do list when the weather begins to warm.

• Plan this years garden now. Include crop rotation, secession cropping and don’t forget to try new ideas this year!
• Cut curly kale. The longer this classic winter vegetable remains in the ground, the more aromatic the leaves become. The middle and upper leaves are the one to cook with - pick them as required, starting towards the bottom and moving upwards. The lower, very tough leaves can be used as a mulch, or fed to chickens or livestock. 
• Parsnips and Jerusalem artichokes can be pulled from the ground throughout the winter as needed.
• Arugula (rocket) will thrive on a windowsill, even over the winter. Sow regularly for continuous cropping.
• Plant the beds crop rotation for the coming season.  
• Any pruning should be done only on milder days.
• Spraying horticulture oil can be done now when no rain is expected within 24-48 hours. Copper can be mixed with horticulture oil if you have had peach leaf curl, fire blight or other diseases. 
• Hardy and evergreen plants should be watered sparingly, and only when the temperature is above freezing.
• When clearing snow, make sure not to pile too much of it on top of beds or lawns. Never use salted snow onto planted areas.
• Mulch garlic and feed nitrogen like blood meal or feather meal. This will be the last feeding of nitrogen.
• Warmer areas can begin to warm soil with clear plastic for early planting of radishes and peas the beginning of February.
• Trim old leaves of Hellobores so you can see blooms that will be coming in the next few weeks.
• Start several brassica crops indoors. Read seed pack labels.
• Buy seeds early so you have the best selection. 
• Sow Wildflower Seeds.