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5 New Year’s Gardening Resolutions

Be inspired to refresh your backyard 



Our yards may be dormant, but that’s no reason to stop planning and dreaming about the changes and improvements we all want to see in our gardens this year. Whether it’s a large-scale landscaping project, installing a greenhouse, learning how to propagate your houseplants, or mastering the skills to keep container plants happy, setting some gardening goals is a great way to stay focused and purposeful about what you want to achieve in the garden in 2025.


1. Grow Heritage and Unusual Plants



Heirloom and heirloom seeds are becoming more and more popular with gardeners of all abilities. Not only do they preserve local history, the plants are often disease-resistant, and traditional vegetable crops yield a much deeper flavor and greater variation in color.


‘Whether it’s learning about traditional tulip bulbs with a long history dating back hundreds of years, or reading about rare fruit trees that produce unusual crops, growing something different will fill your garden with interest.


‘For years, I’ve had a bit of a passion for growing pineapple, orange and chocolate mint in previous summers. In 2025, I’d like to try growing a Mojito Mint variety (you can find live plants available at Burpee), which will add a delicious twist to my summer cocktails.’


2. Growing vegetables and fruit in containers


‘In 2024 I grew Jerusalem artichokes and okra in grow bags on a patio – with good success. It was a very satisfying experience, so I’m keen to experiment further to see what unusual crops, perennial vegetables and fruits will grow well in containers or grow bags,’ says Drew.


‘Since space is at a premium for most gardeners, growing crops in containers allows them to grow indoors, even in small outdoor areas – including decks or balconies.


‘Perennial vegetables and fruit bushes that thrive in a container can yield many years of harvest from a single container with the right care. I’ve been growing a dwarf raspberry in a container for several years, but I’d like to extend my container fruit collection.


3. Use vertical space to grow houseplants



‘This year’s houseplant resolution is to make more use of vertical space,’ she says. ‘Indoor gardens don’t have to be as basic as putting a plant on a windowsill. There are many ways to get creative with houseplants and achieve interiors overflowing with lush greenery. ‘I plan to use hanging propagators and shelving units to elevate my indoor plant displays.’


4. Plant a Mediterranean-inspired container garden


Danielle is moving into a new rental in 2025, and plans to start a Mediterranean-inspired container garden as soon as she arrives. ‘Think lots of herbs for scented pots and drought-tolerant trees for pots that can handle the hot summer months,’ she says. ‘I’ll also choose terracotta and earthy-toned stone pots to bring it all together.

‘In addition to having aesthetic value, this type of planting method also helps to future-proof our yards for a changing climate.’


5. Grow an indoor edible garden



When it comes to indoor gardening, innovations in hydroponic gardening systems and grow lights mean that many city dwellers, even those of us without outdoor space, can grow their own. 'My gardening New Year's resolution is to take my edible plants more seriously,' she says. 'I have a lot of easy-to-grow kitchen herbs like basil, thyme and rosemary, but because they're so easy to grow I tend to focus on other projects and neglect to care for them.


'This is made for the slightly bitter basil leaves in my pasta sauces, so this year I'm going to continue to focus on all of my kitchen herbs, including the best way to water and prune them and how much sunlight they need to thrive.'

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