Enjoy the winter landscape. Need to stretch your legs and get some fresh air? Get outside and enjoy your landscape in winter. The amazing details you will notice in winter rarely get a second glance in summer. Unique forms, textures, and shapes await your discovery this month and will give you some new appreciation for your landscape.

Start slow-growing perennials from seed. It might not seem like the right season to be planting seeds, but many perennials, both native and introduced, should be started this month to ensure they are ready to be planted out in the garden in late spring. Columbine (Aquilegia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), milkweed (Asclepias spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), bellflower (Campanula spp. and cvs. Zones 3–9), coneflower (Echinacea spp. and cvs. Zones 3–9), and balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus, Zones 3–9) are several plants suitable to being started this month.

Check your winter protection. While you are out enjoying the winter landscape, take note of how your winter protection methods are holding up. Make sure your tree wraps are still in place, as winter winds can sometimes rattle them loose. Also, check to make sure those young shoots are still protected if there is substantial snow. Rabbits and the like can easily walk on top of hardened snow or hop over a snowed-in fence and chew up anything above the snow line, including your winter protection materials.

Make your plants cozy. Have more snow than you know what to do with? Add some to your perennial beds to increase insulation. The extra layer of snow can help mitigate those damaging temperature swings we experience from time to time while keeping moisture in place. This will give your plants a great start to the growing season.

Relax and read! Take this seasonal lull to further your horticultural knowledge. The internet is a great place to find valuable resources while you enjoy the comforts of home. Start getting excited for the new season! For my recommendations on essential reading for the Northern Plains, see Gardening Gift Ideas 2019 for Northern Plains Gardeners.

—Chris Schlenker is the head gardener of McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Sun Joe Cordless Telescoping Pole Chain Saw

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

BAR + CHAIN: 8 in. auto-lubricating bar + chain with 2.7 fl oz oil tank capacity and oil level window. TELESCOPIC: Telescoping pole extends from 3.7 ft to 7.2 ft, providing up to 14 ft of overhead reach. ADJUSTABLE HEAD: Multi-angle head adjusts from 0º to 30º 24-VOLT SYSTEM: 24V 2.0 Ah IONMAX lithium-ion battery allows for up to 32 cuts of 4" x 4" pine on a single charge.

Buy at Amazon

CobraHead® Long Handle Weeder & Cultivator Garden Tool

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

BUILT BY GARDENERS—CobraHead tools are developed from seasons of hands-on gardening experience. EASY TO USE—Our classic garden weeding tools are great for greenhorns or green thumbs of all ages. TEMPERED STEEL BLADE—Gardeners love this tool because the curved head plows though any soil. COMFORTABLE LONG HANDLE—Our handles are made from 54-inch North Carolina ash for easy right or left-hand use. MADE IN THE USA—All of our dependable garden tools are crafted with care in Cambridge, Wisconsin.

Buy at Amazon

Gardzen 3-Pack 72 Gallons Garden Bag

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

High Quality Fabric - Gardzen Garden Waste Bags are made from 4.4oz/yd2 (150g/㎡) durable polypropylene fabric that can withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Please note that they should not be left out in the sun for long periods. Environmentally Friendly - These reusable yard waste bags are an environmentally friendly choice as they can be used over and over again, unlike disposable bags. The strong handles make it easy to carry the bags, even when they are full. These garden bags for debris allow you to complete your gardening tasks efficiently and effectively, while minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Large Capacity - With a height of 30 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, there is plenty of room for a large amount of garden waste. Whether it's leaves, branches or grass clippings, these yard waste containers can handle it all. A Must-Have For Gardeners - these leaf bags are an essential tool for managing garden waste and can make your gardening tasks much more efficient. The large capacity and durable construction make them ideal for storing and transporting various items. The yard bags can also be folded and stored compactly when not needed, saving valuable space. Package Included - A great value set of 3pcs heavy duty lawn and leaf bags. 3pcs white plastic hoops. There are 2pcs double stitched webbing handles in the top and 1pc strong webbing corner handles in the bottom.

Buy at Amazon