Read by Matilda Longbottom
Dear Gardeners,
Happy New Year, and welcome to the January 2025 issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
A new year feels like opening the first chapter of a favorite book—full of promise, excitement, and the chance to shape the story ahead. Last year, we saw exciting shifts in gardening priorities, with more people focusing on sustainable practices, native plants, and growing food that reflects their personal tastes. This thoughtful approach to gardening is not just about what we plant but why we plant it, and it’s a trend I’m thrilled to see continue into 2025.
January, for many of us, is a time to reflect on what worked (and maybe didn’t) in last year’s garden. Personally, I’ve been revisiting my notes and dreaming up new projects—like adding more perennials to my edible garden and finally tackling winter composting (snow and all!). It’s the perfect month to map out your goals, start planning your seed orders, and even get creative with indoor projects while we wait for the thaw.
This year, we’re also seeing a growing interest in “food gardens by design”—gardens tailored to what you actually eat and enjoy. It’s a refreshing way to rethink what goes into the soil and onto your plate. And if you’re looking for inspiration, this issue is packed with ideas, from what to plant in January to sustainable practices and even a few quirky projects to keep the winter blues away (hello, potato crafts!).
Whether you’re starting seeds, planning perennials, or just dreaming big, January is the perfect time to dive in. We’re here to help you make the most of this new beginning with practical tips, creative ideas, and plenty of inspiration to make 2025 your best gardening year yet. Let’s dig in!
Fresh Takes
No matter your growing zone, January offers plenty of opportunities to kick-start your gardening year, and we have articles about each of the major planting zones to help you see what’s available to you this month:
- What to Plant in January in Zones 4-6: While the snow piles up, start seeds for leafy greens and herbs indoors to get a head start on spring.
- What to Plant in January in Zones 7-8: Cool-weather crops like spinach and carrots can still thrive outdoors, giving you a chance to keep harvesting.
- What to Plant in January in Zones 9-10: Mild winter weather means you can plant beets, kale, and more for a steady winter harvest.
- Seeds of Tradition or Temptation?: Should you stick with heirloom seeds or try the newest hybrid varieties? We’ll help you decide.
In this issue, our Plant Close-Ups dive into some of the most common gardening questions and challenges this time of year. Wondering if your fall-harvested garlic is still good come January? We’ve got you covered. Curious about which mild hot peppers to grow this year? We’ll help you pick the perfect varieties. If your carrots have been coming out a little too quirky for comfort, we’ll show you how to improve your soil—and suggest varieties that thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. Plus, you’ll discover creative ways to elevate your pickles and learn how to keep your lettuce from bolting before you’re ready to harvest. Here are the articles:
- When Good Garlic Goes Bad: Learn how to spot and prevent garlic spoilage.
- The Goldilocks Guide to Mild Hot Peppers: Find the perfect peppers—not too hot, not too bland, just right.
- Deformed Carrots? Here’s What Your Garden Soil is Trying to Tell You: Troubleshoot common soil issues to grow better carrots.
- Fresh Flavors of Pickles: Elevate your pickling game with 10 unexpected add-ins.
- Lettuce Beat the Heat: Tips for growing heat-tolerant lettuce that lasts longer.
Get Your 2025 Tomato Garden Planning Kit
We are excited to announce our 2025 Tomato Garden Planning Kit! If there’s one thing we know, it’s that nearly every gardener is planting tomatoes this year, so the big question is.. which ones? This kit will help you decide well in advance of planting time!
Featured Videos
This issue is packed with ways to keep gardening in the winter, whether it’s by planning your spring garden, turning potatoes into stamps, cooking a meal with your fall harvest, or composting in the winter! We cover these topics and more, helping you master both familiar and new challenges:
- How to Create an Edible Perennial Garden (with video!): Build a garden that keeps on giving, featuring perennial plants that will provide year after year.
- How to Plant a Food Garden According to Your Palate (with video!): Plan a garden full of foods you love, based on your unique tastes.
- Composting in the Winter (with video!): Keep your compost pile thriving even when it’s snowy—yes, it’s possible!
- Spud-tacular Crafts (with video!): Get creative with potato crafts that are fun for all ages and perfect for those snowy afternoons.
- Maple-Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash with Caramelized Onions, Sage and Cranberries: Create a delectable side with these popular root veggies and squashes.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Collection
When the winter chill settles in, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a hearty meal. This month, we’re serving up a collection of shepherd’s pie recipes that are sure to warm both heart and home, with options to satisfy every palate:
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils: A plant-based twist that’s hearty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Maple Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: Sweet potatoes take center stage in this rich and flavorful recipe.
- Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Transform holiday leftovers into a comforting winter classic.
- Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie: A luxurious and bold take on a traditional favorite.
- Classic Shepherd’s Pie Casserole: Timeless comfort food, perfect for cozy nights at home.
Plan Your Best Year Yet
Don’t forget to check out your 2025 Tomato Garden Planning Kit! Gold Members can explore our Gardening Kits tab for more resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
As we dive into 2025, let’s channel the best lessons from years past and embrace the promise of what’s ahead. Whether you’re buying seeds, starting them, composting in the snow, or just curling up with a cup of tea and dreaming about spring, we’re here to keep you inspired and motivated.
Happy gardening—and here’s to a blooming good year!
Warm regards,
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. What’s your first big gardening project of the year? Let us know in the comments—we love hearing from you!
