In the Weeds

Nina's Gardening Musings

"Thyme to Grow"

by Nina Wiseman

We are fortunate to have a considerable amount of gardening, wellness and public health knowledge and skills represented in our Pamlico Rose Institute staff and PRI Wellness Corps members. We garden with the best of them, but as part of our mission we can also teach, mentor and guide those we serve. Nina Wiseman is one of our members with a lifetime of gardening experience in eastern North Carolina. It is a no brainer to ask her to share her local knowledge and skills. So here now is, and periodically in the days to come, Nina's Gardening Musings. Enjoy!

Robert

Dr. Robert Sands, Executive Director, Pamlico Rose Institute

January may seem depressing in the garden, but it holds a gentle kind of magic. Step outside and let the stillness wrap around you. The air is crisp, clean, and deeply restorative. Each breath clearing the heaviness left behind by the holidays. Even in its winter rest, the garden offers space to slow down, reconnect, and reset. A few mindful moments outdoors can soothe the nervous system, lift the spirit, and remind you that wellness doesn't disappear in winter. It simply becomes quieter, waiting for you to notice it.

It's actually the perfect time to get things started for a successful growing season. With our mild winters and early springs, what you do now can make a big difference later. Here are the first five things us as gardeners should tackle in January. Zone 8. Eastern North Carolina is primarily located in USDA growing zones 8a and 8b, with some inland areas in 7b. The region has mild winters, warm summers, and a long growing season, making it well suited for gardening, farming, and a wide variety of plants.

1. Clean Up Garden Beds 

Start the year fresh by removing dead plants, fallen branches, and leftover debris from last season. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your soil. Leave healthy roots in place when possible. They will add organic matter as they break down. 

2. Test and Amend Your Soil 

Time to test your soil so amendments have time to work before spring planting. Eastern NC soils often need lime to adjust pH. Add compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure now to improve soil structure and fertility. 

3. Prune Trees and Shrubs 

Most trees and shrubs benefit from winter pruning while they're dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid pruning spring- flowering shrubs like azaleas and camellias until after they bloom. 

4. Start Planning and Ordering Seeds! 

While it's too early to plant outdoors, it's not too early to plan. Sketch out your garden layout, rotate crops, and order seeds. Cool-season vegetables like peas, lettuce, and cabbage will be planted before you know it. 

5. Protect Plants from Cold Snaps 

Winters here can be unpredictable. Keep frost cloths, old blankets, or mulch handy to protect tender plants during sudden freezes. Check mulch levels around perennials and shrubs to insulate roots without smothering them. January may be calm, but a little effort now means a healthier, more productive garden come spring. Happy gardening and enjoy dreaming of the growing season ahead!