Starting Fresh: Embracing a New Year in the Garden
There’s something magical about the start of a new year. It’s a chance to set new goals, dream big, and reset. For gardeners in northern climates like mine (I’m in Canada USDA Zone 6), winter is an especially valuable time. While the garden may be dormant under a blanket of snow, it offers an opportunity to reflect, plan, and recharge for the growing season ahead.
One of the unique benefits of gardening in a northern climate is having that natural pause. Winter allows us to close the chapter on the previous season, assess what worked and what didn’t, and prepare for a fresh start. It’s a built-in reset button, and while some might envy the year-round gardening potential of warmer zones, I find this time of dormancy to be a gift. It provides the mental space to recalibrate and dream about what’s possible for the coming spring.
And let’s talk about spring—when those plans start to come to life. Few things match the joy of seeing the first green shoots emerge from the soil. It’s a time of boundless creativity, an open canvas where we can try new techniques, plant new varieties, or tackle challenges we’ve been avoiding. The excitement of spring is like a shot of adrenaline, fueling the passion and optimism that make gardening so rewarding.
For 2025, I’ve set nine goals to keep me inspired and focused throughout the season. These goals are a mix of practical improvements, creative aspirations, and lessons learned from past years. Here’s what I hope to achieve:
Set Up Irrigation – Hand-watering is satisfying but time-consuming. This year, I’m prioritizing an irrigation system to save time, water efficiently, and help the plants thrive.
Replace the Trellis Arch – My current trellis arch has served its purpose, but it’s time for an upgrade. A stronger, more beautiful arch will support climbing plants like beans and cucumbers while adding structure to the garden.
Start Seeds for the Space You Have, Not the Acre You Want – I’ve been guilty of over-seeding, leading to overcrowded beds and wasted energy. This year, I’m focusing on being intentional with my seed starts to match my actual growing space.
Preserve at Least 50% of What I Grow – Whether it’s canning, freezing, dehydrating, or fermenting, I want to make the most of my harvest and enjoy the garden’s bounty long after the season ends.
Save Seeds – Seed saving has been on my to-do list for too long. It’s a skill I’m determined to master in 2025, connecting me to generations of gardeners who’ve done the same.
Winter Sow Cool Flowers and Veggies - This year, I’m diving more into winter sowing. Using the cold weather to start hardy flower and vegetables will give me a jump start on the season and add some early excitement to the garden.
Spend More Time Relaxing in the Garden - Gardening isn’t just about work - it’s about joy. This year, I want to spend more time simply being in the garden, soaking in it’s beauty and peace.
Try New Varieties…Not Every New Variety - With so many enticing options, it’s easy to want to grow everything. This year, I’m narrowing my focus to a few new varieties I’ve researched and am genuinely excited about.
Don’t Buy Any More Seeds Unless Replacing What’s Gone - The allure of seed catalogs is strong, but I’ve learned that restraint is key. In 2025, I’m committed to only buying seeds to replace what’s been used.
These goals represent my hopes for the season ahead. They are practical, creative, and rooted in my desire to make the most of my gardening journey.
For those of you planning your own gardens this year, I encourage you to take the winter season as a time to dream big and set meaningful goals. Let the quiet of the season inspire you, and when spring arrives, embrace it with creativity and joy.
What are your garden goals for 2025?? I’d love to hear how you plan to grow this year!
