Read by Matilda Longbottom

January is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. It marks the beginning of a new calendar year and a brand-new chapter we get to write. For some, it’s a time to make resolutions—setting goals to achieve within the year. For others, it’s a period of reflection, looking back on the past year to consider what truly matters and how to carry that forward into the new year. I believe both approaches are wonderful!

Although not much may be happening in my garden in January, it’s still very much a gardening month for me. This is the time I make my resolutions and reflect on last year’s garden. For instance, I tried to contain my hostas to a specific area, but they had minds of their own. What felt like a nuisance at the time now seems inspired. This year, my plan is to let them grow freely and see what happens. Last year, my resolution was to nurture a thriving squash plant. I didn’t succeed (again), so that goal stays on my list—third time’s the charm, right?

Our January edition of GreenPrints embraces Winter, resolutions, and the gardening year ahead. Don Nicholas shares his “Top Gardening Resolutions of 2025,” while Amanda MacArthur reminds us that Winter doesn’t mean we have to stop growing plants. Check out her captivating article, “Growing Edible Flowers and Herbs in Winter.” Meanwhile, in “The Thin Green Leaf: Healthful Basil?” Bill Dugan highlights the wonderful properties of basil, which can thrive indoors with proper care.

We also have a touching update from Pat Stone on his recovery journey after a hurricane tore through his town. Read about it in “(almost) Ground Zero Part II.” Becky Rupp shares a nostalgic piece, “Reading in the Garden,” which might inspire you to start planning your garden reads for when the weather turns warm again.

We have plenty of chuckles for you this month as well. Mike McGrath shares his unique sense of humor in his latest story, “An Orchid to Die For.” There is such simple beauty in the orchid, but I don’t think I’m prepared to wade into a bog for one. Kay Flowers painted a mental image that still has me giggling in “The Ugly Bug Stomp.” Have you ever stomped on bugs? And who of us cannot relate to “Green Invasion: A Spousal Comedy in Flora” by Frank Comiskey. I am also thinking “just one more plant.”

“Bent by Winter, Strengthened by Spring: Lessons from Tree and Tale” by Ed Witman struck a chord with me. I often find myself gazing at trees during my evening walks with my dog. Mo Pascoe-Hoyal gifted us with her tale of “From Hydrophobia to Hydroponics: A Gardener’s Journey.” I have always been intimidated by the mere thought of hydroponics, but may need to give it a try. This issue is brimming with other touching and uplifting stories that we’re excited to share.

In the kitchen, our Garden to Table Recipe Collection focuses on soups and stews. We’ve curated seven hearty, bowl-worthy dishes to keep you warm this Winter. This month’s Gardening in America Guide is all about herbs—delving into the history of herb gardening, the best herbs to grow at home, and tips to help them thrive. Soon, you’ll be reveling in (and cooking with) these green gems.

If all of that is not enough of to be excited about in the new year, remember that GreenPrints is part of Food Gardening Network. Enjoy a full library of magazine issues from three different magazines, articles, gardening guides, videos, kits, and recipes, including:

• GreenPrints Magazine—You continue to get monthly digital magazine issues that deliver entertaining and enjoyable gardening-themed stories and tales, plus gorgeous artwork.
• Food Gardening Magazine—Please check out the library of monthly issues filled with articles about how to start, maintain, and harvest food from your home garden.
• RecipeLion Magazine—Please try out some of the hundreds of delicious and easy-to-make recipes at your fingertips … and use the tips and tricks for developing new cooking skills.
• Gardening GuideBooks—You have instant and unlimited access to more than 65 premium, curated Gardening GuideBooks that cover specific plants. Access all the Gardening GuideBooks now!
• Cookbooks & Recipe Collections—You get full and immediate access to 15 digital cookbooks and recipe collections, with more than 1,577 quick-and-easy, garden-fresh recipes. Never run out of ways to enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor. From single dishes to a whole meal—we’ve got you covered!
• Video Library—Please take time to watch some of the more than 90 videos in our library with gardening tips, tricks, and tactics; do-it-yourself projects for gardening and crafting items; and cooking videos to show you exactly how to make specific dishes.
• DIY Crafting Kits—You have full access to printable garden planning calendars to help keep your garden on track, garden and recipe card kits, Greeting Card kits, and gorgeous ArtPrints kits for adorning your walls with beautiful artwork.
• Weekly Recipe Planner—every Friday, you get 5 new easy healthy recipes.

Check out the entire January 2025 issue, including my Seasonal Thoughts on “Welcoming in the New Year.” I hope this issue brings you warmth and joy as you start the year.

Please let me know what you think. I’d truly love to hear from you, especially about any resolutions you have set for the new year!