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Happy New Year!
If you’re anything like me, your favorite season is not winter. It’s cold, it’s dark, and you kind of want to curl up and hibernate in a pile of blankets until the trees start budding.
But while you’re at it, why not make use of this fresh start to get ahead on your spring, summer, and fall plans? Though it may not feel like it, January is the perfect time to start preparing your garden and organizing your pantry. Planning now means you can save money, avoid last-minute scrambling, and set yourself up for a thriving, sustainable year.
Though winter may feel like it will never end, you’ll be hearing birds and seeing buds before you know it. That’s why now is the time to dream, plan, and even start some seeds indoors for plants that need extra time to grow. Getting your pantry planned and organized now will also help you use what you have, waste less, and plan ahead for what you’ll need to grow, make, and preserve in the seasons ahead.
Starting Your Garden Plans
Planning Your Dream Garden
Hey, I’m all for a little bit of chaos gardening, but I have to admit—when you don’t start with at least some kind of plan, the garden suffers… and so does your bank balance. A plan can be as simple as a list of what you want to grow or as detailed as a full layout including companion planting and succession schedules.
Start by listing what you want to grow. If you’re not sure, think about what you actually like to eat. If you’re just starting out, keep it simple—choose five crops to grow this year, and expand as you gain confidence.
Once you have your list, it’s time to get seeds. Starting from seed is far more cost-effective than buying plants at the garden center! Most seed packages include details on when and how to plant, as well as the time needed to reach maturity. Look up your last frost date and use that information to schedule your planting. For example, tomatoes and peppers need a longer growing season than we have here in Durham Region, Ontario, so I start mine indoors in late January or early February and transplant them outside once the risk of frost has passed.
For indoor seed starting, a small shelf setup with grow lights is ideal, but a sunny window can also work. Just be mindful that seedlings might get “leggy” as they stretch for light—if this happens with tomatoes, you can repot them deeper.
Companion and Succession Planting
If you want to take planning a step further, consider companion planting. Some plants thrive when grown together—like basil and tomatoes, which are said to enhance each other’s flavor. On the flip side, some plants should never be grown together (like tomatoes and potatoes).
Succession planting is another great strategy to maximize your harvest. Instead of planting all your spinach at once, stagger the plantings every couple of weeks to ensure a steady supply instead of one overwhelming batch. Likewise, think ahead about what you can plant in its place once it bolts in the heat, so your garden space stays productive.
I’m a visual learner, so I love writing out my plans on paper. Keeping a gardening planner is great for tracking what works and what doesn’t. Grab my free Garden Planner here:
Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, especially for plants that require a long time to mature. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose Your Seeds – Select plants that need an early start, like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
- Pick the Right Containers – Use seed trays, small pots, or even recycled containers with drainage holes.
- Use Quality Soil – A lightweight, well-draining seed-starting mix is ideal for strong root development.
- Provide Light – A grow light setup works best, but a sunny window can also work with some adjustments.
- Keep Moisture Levels Consistent – Use a spray bottle to mist the soil, ensuring it stays damp but not soggy.
- Transplant with Care – Once your seedlings develop strong roots and true leaves, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden.
Pantry Planning
While you’re dreaming and planning of the gorgeous gorgeous garden you’re going to have this year, it’s a good idea to make some plans for your pantry so you can make the most of your garden by growing what you need to restock and preserve by canning or freeze-drying.
Taking Stock of What You Have
First, identify what you need—and what you already have.
- Take note of what’s running low and what you have in abundance.
- Check expiration dates and rotate older items to the front.
- Plan meals around existing ingredients to minimize waste and stretch your budget.
- Decide which pantry staples you’d like to grow, freeze-dry, or preserve this year.
Getting Organized for a Sustainable Year
Planning ahead for freeze-drying projects ensures you make the most of seasonal abundance.
- Preserve surplus produce now to reduce waste later.
- Create a meal plan that incorporates your preserved foods.
- Organize storage space efficiently to maximize usability.
- Make a list of canning or freeze-drying supplies you may need for the year ahead.
Mindset for a Fresh Start
Winter is a season of rest, but also of renewal. Taking small steps now can set you up for success and sustainability throughout the year.
- Embrace the Season – Winter is a perfect time for planning and dreaming about the year ahead.
- Set Manageable Goals – Focus on small, achievable steps rather than overwhelming resolutions.
- Enjoy the Process – Use this time to learn new skills, read up on gardening techniques, or experiment with new recipes.
- Visualize Success – Picture your thriving garden and well-stocked pantry to stay motivated through the cold months.
Now that you have a plan, I’d love to hear from you! What are your garden or pantry goals this year? Drop a comment below and share your ideas!
And don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to grab your free Garden Planner. Let’s make this year the most organized, abundant, and sustainable one yet!