January Landscape Tips for San Diego County
It’s January in San Diego County, and we’re at the height of the dormant season. It’s typically the coldest month and it can be wet, too. January middays are often bright and clear with a slight chill in the air. With that said, it’s a good time to slip on a hoodie or an old sweater and get out there and maintain your garden. After all, there’s planting, mulching, and other tasks to do!
We’ve compiled some garden activities and maintenance suggestions for a thriving landscape in San Diego County.
What to do in January
Mulching
Keep up with mulching as the cooler temperatures and moisture often bring weeds to our landscape. To stay ahead of the weeds, we recommend mulching around flower beds, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and trees.
What to Plant
January is an ideal time for planting. The weather is cooler and the ground is wetter, making for great planting conditions. So, if you've been thinking about starting an herb or vegetable garden, do it!
January is a prime time for finding great deals on bare-root fruit trees, especially low chill varieties. Check your local San Diego County nurseries — you're bound to find some deals you won't want to pass up!
With all that said, you'll find some valuable suggestions on what to plant in your landscape in January below.
Bare-root roses: January is a great time to plant bare-root roses (dormant roses). Hybrid teas, climbing, shrub, and floribundas are excellent options.
Bare-root berries: Look for berries that are suitable for our climate, such as blackberry varieties like boysenberries and youngberries.
Bare-root grapes: It’s a great time to plant bare-root grape vines. Plant varieties that are best suited for your region, Coastal vs Inland. Top coastal varieties include Himrod and Flame grapes. Thompson seedless and Muscat of Alexandria work well for inland areas in San Diego County,
Bare-root fruit trees: Plant bare-root fruit trees such as low-chill apples, figs, persimmons, and pomegranates. You can also plant stone fruits such as Peaches (‘Bonanza, ‘Indian Free’, and ‘Babe’), Plums, Apricots, Cherries (low-chill types).
Succulents: There are many succulents and cacti that bloom in winter and spring. It’s a good time to purchase new ones, so be sure to visit your local nursery for some great finds on succulents and cacti.
Herbs: Parsley, dill, rosemary, sage, and calendula are excellent herbs to plant now. You can also plant native species, such as white and black sage, and yerba santa.
Cool-season vegetables: You might be harvesting cool-season vegetables now. That said, it’s also a good time to plant some. You can plant cool-season vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, celery, lettuce, and root crops like beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips.
Harvest Your Citrus
It’s January, and citrus, such as lemons, navel oranges, and tangerines are very likely ready for harvest. A good way to test and check for ripeness is to pick a few from different parts of the tress. Pick a citrus that’s easy to remove and give it a taste. If it’s sweet, then it’s ready for harvest.
Tip: Citrus doesn’t ripen once it’s off the tree. Ripe citrus can stay on the tree for several weeks, however, harvest it before pests get to it.
What to Cut Back (Trim)
Cutting back (or trimming) can lead to healthier plants and strong growth come springtime.
- Roses
- Blackberries (only cut back canes that produced fruit this past season)
- Grape vines
- Shrubs (cut them back hard)
- Prune fruit trees (remove dead or diseased branches)
Watering
- Water less frequently. If your irrigation system isn’t equipped with a soil moisture or rain sensor, be sure to turn it off when there is lots of rain.
- Think about how you plan to save water
- Water plants according to their needs
January Lawn Care Needs
HOA landscaping company in Vista, CA
When it comes to your lawn, winter is all about preparing it for spring growth.
- Address and control weeds as January weather conditions tend to bring on the weeds.
- Don’t mow wet grass
- Avoid heavy foot traffic
- Inspect for drainage issues
Experience. Quality. Service. The Difference...Is Growing
It's a new year. Is your HOA or commercial property looking for competitive bids? If you're searching for a new landscape maintenance service company in Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and throughout San Diego County, look no further than Westturf Landscape Maintenance Inc. We have been enhancing landscapes in Vista, Carlsbad, and throughout San Diego since 1972!
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
Let's work together
Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120