On Making a Friend of January, Quitters, and Cold-Weather Garden Reads
No. 11 | Winter Gardening in Greenville, SC
Fun fact: We are not yet one month into winter. I don’t know if that makes you want to scream or curl up in bed with book, but facts are facts.
That means for two full weeks now as our culture has screamed “Hustle! Go! New! New! New!” nature has still been powering down, napping, and otherwise giving a two-finger salute that says, “Y’all, have it. We’re over here hibernating.”
I used to hate January. It’s winning me over, year by year.
Slow. Cold. Dark.
Sound like the time to start something new?
I heard January 10 is called National Quitters Day. As in, by January 10 (less than three weeks into winter, I might add), we’re already throwing our hands up and declaring failure at the goals we hastily set after a month of revelry.
Surprise, surprise.
Do you know what this timeframe one month into winter is really good for?
Pruning. Shaping. Taking stock of what is, noting what could be, with a clearer line of sight.
That, and browsing seed catalogs as dispassionately as possible.
Speaking of seeds... A casual glance at my seed box would earn me an eye roll. I’ve got way too much. Duplicates of some things. Years of saved tomato seeds. Flowers I’ve never attempted to grow. Last I showed some restraint this year and didn’t order any new ones, but I'm feeling like that's less likely to happen this year. Piney Mountain Market is collaborating with Wild Orchard Homestead to host a seed swap tomorrow, Friday, January 17 at 6pm at 5407 State Park Road. I'm not going to be able to make it out, but I love this idea! 
Taking stock of what is, noting what could be, with a clearer line of sight.
Winter 2025
What I’m Reading & Listening To
On Garden Style
Bunny Williams
Re-reading one of my favorites on chilly days.
Life in the Garden
Bunny Williams
This one is on my wish list! Bunny’s latest, and I’m certain it won’t disappoint.
Wild Things of the Upstate
By Abby Moore Keith
I got this for my kids when Abby released it last year, and it’s still a favorite.
What I’m Growing
A list of what is actively growing in my vegetable garden right now.
Arugula: I sowed it mid-August and it’s still going strong.
Garlic: Lots of growth so far and minimal damage from the cold temps. I’ll start fertilizing in the spring.
Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, green onion, and sage have all survived complete neglect.
Kale: It’s barely going, but it’s going.
Meyer Lemons: I just picked my last one, and it smelled amazing. Meyer lemons require some attention over the cold months, but they are so rewarding to me.
Radishes: We’re still finding them buried under leaves in Siena’s chaos garden!
Resources
Plants Map - Paper Routes - Good Printed Things
A map I wrote featuring great places to buy plants locally here in Upstate, South Carolina. Illustrated by Charis JB.
The Uncomplicated Gardener - Good Printed Things
My zine sharing six steps I’ve learned over time that brought me success and joy growing and tending plants without overcomplicating things. Illustrated by Jennifer Bilton.