Greetings & Happy January 🌍

Welcome to the January edition of our monthly newsletter, which kicks off the new year with mindful, sustainable gardening habits. While frost may blanket many regions, January offers ample opportunities to plan, prepare, and nurture both indoor and outdoor green spaces.

In this issue, we’ll explore:

• Seed Catalog & Garden Planning​
  Browse seed catalogs and online nurseries to finalize your garden layout, crop rotations, and plant varieties for the upcoming season.
• Indoor Seed Starting​
  Begin sowing cold-tolerant crops like lettuce, kale, and herbs under grow lights or sunny windowsills to get an early jump on spring greens.
• Tool Maintenance & Organization​
  Clean, sharpen, and organize your gardening tools and workspaces to ensure you’re ready for the busy season ahead.
• Soil Testing & Amendment​
  Send soil samples to local extension services for nutrient analysis, and order amendments (such as lime, compost, and cover crop seeds) to adjust the pH and fertility.
• Winter Pruning​
  Prune dormant fruit trees and deciduous shrubs to improve structure and airflow, reducing disease risk come spring.
• Community Events & Webinars​
  Look for virtual gardening workshops, local horticultural society talks, and January plant swaps to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

We have added some new articles to our website. Please enjoy these articles by scrolling down our Evergreen Blooming Home page until the "Latest Articles" section.

Here are five amazing facts about Gem Squash:

1. South African Heritage: Gem squash (Cucurbita pepo var. pepo “Gem”) was first cultivated in South Africa and introduced to Europe and North America in the late 19th century, where its compact size and hardiness made it an instant garden favorite.
2. Distinctive Appearance: Each fruit is about the size of a small apple (5–8 cm in diameter), with glossy dark-green skin marked by pale green or white stripes that become more pronounced as it ripens.
3. Nutrient-Rich Profile: Gem squash is low in calories yet rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and dietary fiber, which support immune function, eye health, and digestion.
4. Culinary Versatility​
   Its tender, mildly sweet flesh works well when roasted whole (shell included), steamed, stuffed, or puréed into soups. The edible skin crisps up beautifully under the broiler, making it both practical and decorative.
5. Easy to Grow: As a bush-type squash, gems take up minimal space, mature in 60–70 days, and show good resistance to common pests and powdery mildew, making them ideal for small gardens, containers, or urban allotments.

Some Interesting Articles

What Are the Best Lawnmowers for Gardens? Achieve a perfectly manicured lawn with the best lawnmowers. Our guide reviews and compares top-rated products to help you choose... Read article

Discover 5 Best Reasons to Eat Citrus Fruits Daily. Learn why making citrus fruits part of your daily diet is essential. From immune support to glowing skin, discover 5 Best Reasons to Eat... Read article

How Long Are Brussel Sprouts Good For? Want to know more about the lifespan of Brussel sprouts? Check out this handy guide for everything you need to know!... Read article

EGB SHOP OFFERS

As a token of our appreciation for your continued support, we’re offering you a discount on our products. Please click on our shop icon link below, choose your product, and when checking out, type the following coupon code into the order: EGB THANK YOU 25

Our good friends from City Blooming have created Sticker Packs and a Gardening and Outdoor Activities Guide. For a discounted price, please click on their shop icon link below, choose your product, and type the following coupon code into the order: CB THANK YOU 25

For more in-depth guides, visit the Evergreen Blooming website, where you’ll find resources on everything from winter sowing to compost bin recommendations.

Our guides cover everything from cultivating your fruits and vegetables to discovering expert gardening guides and recommendations for all experience levels.

Let’s kick off a thriving, sustainable garden year together! Happy gardening!

Warm Regards,

Tracy and the Evergreen Blooming Team

​Evergreen Blooming​