It is time to make your new year’s resolutions. Why not resolve to garden this year?
Start a journal or add a gardening app to your phone. Learn something new by visiting our CCE of Oneida County’s website at cceoneida.com.
Below are more resolution ideas.
Resolve to plan. Instead of just winging it, create a garden plan. It does not have to be fancy; just go over what worked last year, what didn’t, and what would you like to change. Consider using all the free garden catalogs available now along with their websites as your references. Having a garden plan will save you time, money, and frustration.
Resolve to improve the soil. Make your soil healthier by adding compost. Whether you make your own or buy it, compost nourishes soil for the long term, improving soil structure, creating a foundation for healthy plants.
Resolve to add natives. Native plants provide nectar, pollen, and seeds which serve as food for butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. They require minimal maintenance because they are adapted to our climate. Is a portion of your lawn not doing well? Consider replacing it with a small native plant garden. Resolve to learn more about natives. Many resources are available, such as The Plant Native (theplantnative.com). Consider becoming a member of Wild Ones of the Mohawk Valley, your central New York connection to educate and help you with native plants best suited to our landscape. Visit their website at https://mohawkvalley.wildones.org/ for more information.
Resolve to grow edibles. You don’t need a large space to grow herbs, small fruits or vegetables; containers can be used. For the beginner try an herb to use in your favorite recipe or grow a patio tomato.
A new year means a new start and new opportunities. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Oneida County wish you the best in 2026.
Happy gardening new year!
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Gardening and new year’s resolutions