Resolutions for your garden in the new year

It’s that time again when we make our resolutions for the new year. It’s probably a good bet that eating healthier and getting more exercise are at the top of your list. The good news is, gardening can help you achieve both of those goals, along with others like learning new things, going green and having fun! Here are some ideas and inspiration to get you started on your best gardening year yet.

Plant more 

• Mix and match plants like never before. Use Proven Winner’s container garden recipe search or Proven Plant Pairings to find plants that work well together.
• Research local native plants and add them to your landscape.
• Add four new houseplants to your collection—one each season—and learn how to care for them.

Learn something new

• Check out what’s trending in garden design and incorporate at least one new idea in your yard or garden.
• Start a garden journal and keep track of what works — and what doesn’t.
• Expand your garden library and treat yourself to a new gardening book.
• Take a gardening course and learn more about how to plan and maintain your garden. There are many choices, often available online.

Care for pollinators and wildlife 

• Plant a selection of flowers and other plants that will keep native bees, butterflies and other pollinators well fed.
• Help birds, bees and wildlife in your garden.
• Plant a buffet for birds with fruit-bearing shrubs and trees.
• Build a home for wildlife and beneficial insects to hide out in and spend the winter. Dead stems, leaves, snags, logs and brush piles are all helpful. This guide will get you started.

Make maintenance easy

• Grow a lush, healthy lawn that will resist weeds, moss and pests.
• Set up your container plants on a drip system. Learn how in this video from Garden Answer.
• Take better care of your garden tools by learning how to clean and store them properly.
• Don’t let weeds get the upper hand this year. Mulch can help you greatly reduce weeds in garden beds, and tall groundcovers will add beauty while reducing weeds.

Take care of pesky pests

• Make the time to learn more about common garden pests and keep your garden healthy.
• Some bugs in your yard can help you keep pests in check. Learn about the good guys and how to attract them.
• Keep deer from feasting on your garden by designing with deer-resistant plants.

Go green

• Start a compost pile and make your own “garden gold.” It’s great for your plants and the environment.
• Learn how to manage weeds without dangerous chemicals.
• Clear out harmful chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Here is how to dispose of pesticides in King County and Snohomish County.
• Make the switch to natural and organic alternatives. Find out how to choose safer pesticides and garden products.
• Improve your lawn’s environmental impact.
• Cut down on plastics by searching out eco-friendly options, such as Eco-Pots for seed starting.

Eat your veggies 

• New to growing veggies? Here are tips for successful vegetable gardening.
• Try your hand at building a raised bed for your vegetable or cut-flower garden.
• Make your garden both beautiful and functional by incorporating edibles along with ornamental plants.
• Try something new in your vegetable garden. Check out Veggie Garden Remix, by Niki Jabbour, for inspiration.

Get involved 

• Volunteer at a local community garden. Seattle has many P-Patch community gardens, and there are others in surrounding communities. Don’t have one? Start one!
• Join a local garden club. You can find listings at Garden Clubs of America or National Garden Clubs. Again—Don’t have one? Start one!
• Help support the work of Garden Conservancy to save and share gardens by becoming a member and attending Open Days events.
• Visit a local botanic garden or arboretum and become a member or volunteer.

Have some fun 

• Plant something fun, like sunflowers, with a child and watch how the stalks grow taller than they are.
• Plant a cut-flower garden and share surprise bouquets with neighbors.
• Slash your gift-giving budget for the year by growing gifts instead of buying them.
• Inspire the next generation of gardeners. Here are tips on gardening with children and fun garden-inspired crafts and activities for kids.

A new year means a fresh start and new opportunities, in life and in your garden. Our best to you in the coming year!

[Ed. note: This post was originally published by Linda Hagen in Garden Design. We made minor edits to the original post and added local links.]