Urban Farming Almanac: January
January is the perfect time to start planning your urban farm and thinking about which plants to grow. In addition to providing delicious fruits and vegetables, it's important to also consider which plants will attract beneficial pollinators to your garden. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to pollinate plants and ensure their reproduction.
One great edible plant to consider planting in January is lettuce. Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be planted in the early spring and fall. It can be grown in containers or in the ground, making it a versatile option for urban farmers. Lettuce also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Another great edible option for January planting is spinach. Spinach can be planted now, as spring approaches. It grows in the ground or in containers. It is a great source of vitamins, minerals and protein, and is also great for pollinator.
For pollinator-friendly plants, consider planting flowers such as daffodils, pansies, and violas. These flowers are all hardy and can handle the cool temperatures of January. They are great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
If you have a little more space to work with, you might also consider planting fruit trees or berry bushes. These plants not only provide delicious fruits, but also provide a valuable food source for pollinators. Some great options for urban farming include dwarf varieties of apple and cherry trees, as well as blueberry and raspberry bushes.
In addition to the above plants, herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage are also a great option for January planting. These herbs can be grown in containers or in the ground and are great for pollinators. They also add delicious flavors to your cooking and also have medicinal properties.
Worm tea, also known as vermicompost tea, is a liquid fertilizer that is made from the liquids that are leached out of vermicompost, which is compost that has been made with the help of worms. Worm tea is a great way to boost the health of your plants, especially in January when many plants are dormant and not actively growing. The tea contains a wide variety of microorganisms and plant growth hormones that help to stimulate root growth, improve soil structure, and increase plant resistance to disease. Additionally, worm tea is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are essential for plant growth. These nutrients are in a more readily available form than those found in most commercial fertilizers, meaning the plants can take in the nutrient more easily.
Applying worm tea to the soil around your plants in January can help them to establish a strong root system and get a jump start on the growing season. The microorganisms in the tea can also help to break down any organic matter in the soil, making it more fertile and easier for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need. Furthermore, worm tea can help to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity, making it easier for your plants to access the water they need to survive during the dry winter months. Overall, worm tea is a great way to give your plants the boost they need to thrive, particularly during the winter months when growth is slower.
Urban farming is a great way to grow your own food, while also supporting the environment by providing a habitat for pollinators. By carefully selecting the plants you grow, you can create a diverse and thriving ecosystem in your own backyard. So start planning your urban farm today and consider adding some lettuce, spinach, daffodils, pansies, violas, fruit trees, berry bushes, rosemary, thyme, and sage to your garden this January.
Note: While some of the plants mentioned may be cold hardy and can be planted in Jan in some regions, please do check for your local climate and consult expert resources for more accurate information on when to plant in your area.
