Garden Keeping Journal - January Edition
Tips, Inspiration & Checklists for Zone-7 (and neighboring) gardeners
Not gardening in Zone-7?
No worries- you can easily adjust your email preferences anytime to skip the Garden Keeping Journal and still receive all the other stories, reflections, and design inspiration from The Whiskey Porch.
Well hello dear garden-keepers!
I’m always thrilled to sit down and write another letter to you all. Thank you for being here and spending a little of your time with me.
This series, where we talk about what’s happening in your landscape and garden, has long been a reader favorite.
A few years ago I began doing this specifically for local Prescott gardeners in my community and soon realized that it was a keeper. The notes and feedback told me this was filling a real need.
My hope has always been to make these journals specific and actionable, yes. But even more than that, encouraging and grounding. This space is for anyone who wants to spend a little more time outdoors, notice the season you’re in, and feel connected to the earth beneath your feet.
Whether you’re tending a full landscape or just a few pots on a small balcony, I want this to speak to you. I hope it nudges you outside this month, and maybe helps you begin something wonderful.
I’ll be honest: here in the high-country of northern Arizona (at about 6,000 feet), it’s been an unusually mild start to winter. Normally by mid-December we’re well into snow and nighttime temperatures in the 20s and 30s. This year? Not so much.
And here’s my truth: that extra stretch of mild weather gave me a few more precious weeks to get myself sorted - taking cuttings, doing some long-overdue pruning, and catching up on garden tasks I’d fallen behind on. A real gift, honestly… especially since I clearly took on a bit (okay, wayyy) too much this year and couldn’t quite keep up with my own garden ambitions.
Today, though, as I sit at my desk in this lovely sunroom, the world outside looks different. It’s foggy and misty, quiet and gray - and it finally feels like winter has arrived.
Winter might be the "dormant" season, but don’t let that fool you. There’s still plenty happening in the garden! 🌱❄️
Things slow down, yes. But this is also the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a healthy, beautiful season ahead. And when we spread the work across the winter months, it feels far more manageable… even enjoyable.
About These Checklists
While we don’t offer garden maintenance services here at The Whiskey Porch, these monthly Garden Keeping Checklists are designed to help you stay on track and feel supported through the seasons.
Whether you’re handling everything yourself or working with a maintenance crew, you’ll find the tips practical and flexible - especially if you’re gardening in or around Prescott, Arizona, or in other Zone-7 and neighboring climates.
Each checklist reflects the rhythm I experience here in Prescott’s downtown microclimate, so your own garden may vary slightly depending on your elevation, location, and what you’re growing. Generally speaking, these notes align with USDA Zone 7b.
Of course, no two years are exactly alike, even in the same zone. Some seasons bring an early hard freeze in late October, while others hold off until December. Keep that in mind as you plan your tasks.
These guides are geared toward landscape gardens that include mostly perennials, with a sprinkling of veggies and herbs.
Let’s get to it…
