Resolutions for a great 2025 garden year

Happy new year! Now what?

These past 12 months have been challenging for our gardens – something we can say every year in Sacramento. If it’s not drought, it’s too wet. Even if our rainfall is relatively “normal” (as it was in 2024), there’s always some kind of weather-related issue that throws us a curve.

How can we make 2025 better? Be prepared. Plan ahead. Have more fun.

We can’t control the weather (if we could, we would). But we can be better prepared for whatever weather may come.

Atmospheric rivers tend to dump a lot of moisture in a short period; how can we save some of that rain for later? (Think about installing a “rain garden” or other ways to let Mother Nature’s free water refresh our landscapes.)

Will we have another red-hot July? Consider planting summer crops such as tomatoes earlier – then plant a second crop for fall harvest after the heat peaks in late July or August.

Replacing a tree or shrub? Plant for the future with a species that will thrive with less chill hours and more summer heat.

Those are all points to consider as we look ahead with resolve. But to do what? For us gardeners, these simple resolutions will make our lives easier and help our gardens thrive – no matter the weather.

1. Take notes. Be observant and write down what you see. No matter the weather or long-term climate change, your landscape is changing. (Trees and shrubs grow; sunny spaces turn to shade.) You may need to make adjustments. Also, note what varieties did well, which didn’t. (This is key to veggie success.)

2. Use a calendar. Paper or digital, calendars are handy for jotting down those notes and keeping track of dates. For example, when did you plant seeds or transplants? When did you harvest your first tomato? You can refer to those dates later when making decisions about next season. (Tip: Get a master gardener calendar; it comes packed with monthly reminders.)