Happy 2026! In these first few days of a New Year, most of us make resolutions for ways we can improve ourselves – to eat better, exercise more, try harder to break a bad habit.
But have you ever considered making some resolutions for your garden this year? Like any New Year’s resolution, the ones for your garden don’t need to be overwhelming. You don’t have to do everything on your list, or even start right away. Think of these resolutions as thought-starters for what your garden could be this year.
Pruning
For example, have you ever wanted to become better at pruning? Often, folks let the trees and shrubs on their property grow until they become an issue (too large, shaggy looking, or in danger of growing into power lines). Then, the response is to overcompensate and prune too aggressively in order to “fix” the problem.
Thoughtful, regular pruning maintains plants, strengthens their structures, and supports better growth over time. Late winter and early spring – before your trees and plants break dormancy – is a great time to take a look and decide where and how much you need to cut.
Getting to Know Your Soil
Another valuable winter project is getting to know your soil. The sad truth about the soil in and around Flagstaff is that it often isn’t up to the job of being a good base for your garden. The area’s arid climate doesn’t give soil a chance to develop, making it nutrient poor. Plus, there’s a lot of clay in our dirt, which doesn’t give our plants the porous environment needed for proper drainage.
But soil can be improved by amending it. We have soil test kits at Warner’s and our experts can help you analyze the results and select the amendments you need to improve your garden’s foundation.
Container Gardening & Creating Habitats
If you’re looking for something new to try this year, container gardening is worth considering. Containers offer flexibility, especially for gardeners with limited space or challenging soil. They allow you to control soil quality and watering more precisely, and they can be moved to protect plants from late frosts or summer hail storms. Containers are ideal for herbs, flowers, and even some fruits and vegetables.
Another meaningful resolution is using your garden to support our local wildlife. Even the smallest garden can provide food, shelter, and water for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects. Native and well-adapted plants are especially valuable because they’re suited to our climate.
Being Water (and Fire) Wise
I’m also a big advocate of becoming more firewise and waterwise. We live in the middle of one of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forests in an area that has struggled with drought for decades. That means practices like spreading out your plants, weeding and getting rid of dead plants, and maintaining a “defensible space” around your home is essential to protect your property from wildfires.
And in our high-elevation desert climate, every drop of water matters. So investing in a rain barrel so you can harvest monsoon rainwater and installing a drip irrigation system are environmentally responsible, plus they will save you money. This is particularly true of drip irrigation, as it delivers water slowly to a plant’s roots, reducing evaporation and runoff, so you use (and waste) less water cultivating your garden.
One final resolution I’d encourage gardeners to embrace is staying open to learning. Every year, Warner’s offers our Root Camp series of affordable gardening classes taught by knowledgeable experts and designed for gardeners at every level. It’s a great way to grow your gardening skills, plus it’s a lot of fun. Stay tuned for details about our 2026 classes.
I hope you enjoy making your gardening resolutions for the new year. Winter gives us the space to plan, learn, and imagine what’s possible. And when spring finally arrives, those quiet January resolutions can grow into something truly rewarding.
Happy Gardening,
Misti