GreenThumb Digest | 4 January 2026
Happy New Year! January is when possibilities open up again -- seed catalogues arrive, ideas spark, and planning begins. Let's start the year right.
By Tony O'Neill | Simplify Gardening
Happy New Year! I hope 2026 brings you health, happiness, and plenty of time in the garden. January is when possibilities open up again -- seed catalogues arrive, ideas spark, and planning begins. Let's start the year by choosing what to grow and setting your garden goals in motion.
Main Topic
Browsing seeds isn't just shopping -- it's strategy. Picking the right varieties now gives you better harvests and fewer problems later.
This week's key tasks:
Pro Tip
Stick to varieties you'll actually eat. A focused plan beats a collection of impulse buys every time.
Mini Q&A
Q: What's the difference between F1 hybrids and open-pollinated seeds?
A: F1 hybrids are bred for consistency and disease resistance, but you can't reliably save their seed. Open-pollinated varieties adapt to your local conditions and can be saved year after year.
Quick Tip of the Week
This Week's Tip
Check your stored seeds from last year. Float-test older ones in water -- if they sink, they're still viable. If they float, compost them.
Resource of the Week
Free Download
Start your new year strong with my free Fruit Gardening eBook. It covers planning, pruning, and variety selection to help you add productive fruit plants to your 2026 layout.
Here's to a year of fresh starts and full harvests. Make 2026 the season you grow with intention and confidence.
You reap what you sow,
Tony O'Neill
Green Thumb Digest | Brought to You by Simplify Gardening
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