Expert Advice: 10 New Year's Resolutions for the Gardener

Photograph by Mia Kim

It’s that time of year again when we close the calendar and open a new one. Here is a bouquet of New Year’s resolutions to get your garden (and you) off to a healthier, greener, and happier start.

Photo by Marie Viljoen

1. Look back to look forward.

Photo by Sandeep Salter

Now is the time to recognize what went wrong last year (like maybe that lackluster dahlia), and pledge not to make the same mistake(s) this year.

2. Commit to being water-conscious.

Photo by Matthew Williams

It’s always a guessing game as to whether the year will be wet or dry. So why not always plan for slim pickings with water and take steps to be prepared.

3. Let go of the idea of the perfect lawn.

Photo by Justine Hand

When you replace your lawn with more earth-friendly choices like natives and succulents, a pollinator garden, dry creek bed, or vegetable garden, you will be using less water and resources and creating a greener carbon footprint.

4. Don't plant invasives.

Photo by Tdlucas5000 via Flickr

This year before planting anything in your garden, check your local resources to make sure your plant won’t become a problem if it goes rogue and escapes into the wild.

5. Use safer remedies.

Photo by Jim Powell

Pledge to ditch any toxic chemicals in your shed and employ greener solutions when you need to battle bad bugs, annoying weeds, and disease.

6. Propagate more.

Photo by Justine Hand

This year remember that you can increase your plant collection by allowing flowers to go to seed, by taking cuttings, and dividing plants.

7. Care to share.

Photo by Airyka Rockefeller courtesy of Talc Studio

Too much bounty? Don’t let perfectly good produce go to waste. Instead, find local food banks in your area that take extra food.

8. Create a houseplant haven.

Photo courtesy of HAO Design

This year nurture yourself with nature and surround yourself with new life and growth by adding houseplants.

9. Get inspired.

Photo by Marion Brenner courtesy of Timber Press

Become a perennial student and consider joining your local botanical garden or local gardening club, or maybe take gardening classes though your community college.

10. Garden more.

Photo by Nancy Neil

This resolution is easy. The idea is to get outside and garden more. That can mean more hand weeding, planting, pruning—or just admiring your plants.

For more garden inspiration, visit us at Gardenista: Garden Design 101

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