Let’s face it—January doesn’t exactly scream “gardening season.” The hose is stiff, the ground is cold, and your boots have become house slippers. But here in DeKalb County, winter isn’t a dead end. It’s a quiet beginning. And a good one, too. There’s actually a surprising amount you can do right now that’ll have you feeling like a gardening genius come April.
Let’s start with the big stuff: fruit trees.
If you’ve ever said, “One day, I’ll plant a fig,” or “I should really put in some peaches,”—that day is today. Seriously. This is the prime season for fruit tree planting. While your trees are still in dormancy, their roots are ready to settle into cool soil without the stress of summer heat or competition from weeds. Come spring, they’ll be ready to explode with new growth, and you’ll be ahead of the pack.
Local nurseries like Bert Driver’s Nursery are fully stocked this time of year with excellent options—apple, pear, peach, plum, fig, and even some interesting native varieties. The selection is better, the crowds are lighter, and you can ask questions without someone bumping into you while grabbing the last cherry tree. Just remember: plant with care. Dig the hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball, and don’t bury the graft union (that little bump near the base). Water it in and give it a layer of mulch, and you’re off to the races.
Already have fruit trees? Fantastic. Grab some gloves, sharpen your pruners, and head outside. Winter pruning is like giving your tree a good stretch before a long run. You can see the structure clearly; there’s no sap running, and a thoughtful pruning job now means healthier growth and better fruit later. Just remember: you’re aiming for airflow and sunshine—open up the center, remove crossing branches, and take out anything dead or broken. No need to get fancy. Even a modest cleanup makes a difference. And if you’re not sure, step back and squint a little. If it looks better than when you started, you’re doing fine.
Still have a few winter greens or root crops clinging to life? Lucky you. Please give them a little help. A row cover or low tunnel made from cheap PVC hoops and a plastic sheet can turn your scraggly patch into a leafy oasis. It’s basically a mini spa for kale. And that little bit of extra protection can keep spinach, bok choy, turnips, or mustard greens producing longer than you’d expect.
Inside, you’ve got even more options. Now is the time to start seeds for long-maturing crops like onions and leeks. Herbs like parsley and thyme can get going too. Don’t have a greenhouse? No problem. A sunny windowsill or a basic grow light setup will do just fine. Even one tray of seedlings can give you a sense of accomplishment—and a much-needed splash of green in the middle of winter. Plus, there’s something strangely satisfying about checking on your little seedlings each morning like they’re tiny green roommates.
So yes, it’s cold. Yes, it gets dark at 4:30. But gardening in Middle Tennessee doesn’t really stop—it just changes pace. Now’s the time for slower, steadier steps that set the stage for the explosive growth of spring.
Make yourself a cup of tea, grab that seed catalog, and sketch out a plan. Then pull on your coat and plant that fig tree. Future-you will be glad you did.
About the Author
Dr. Philip Seagraves and his wife, Cathy, are the owners of Griffin’s Produce in Smithville. A local fixture for over 50 years, Griffin’s has long been a trusted source for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and garden plants in DeKalb County. Griffin’s has also been named “Best of the Best” Produce Market in DeKalb County by the Smithville Review for many years running.
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