Happy New Year! The years seem to keep flying by. Before you know it, we will be in the middle of spring vegetable gardening activities. In fact, now is time to get started on some of those activities.

Recently, I came across “The Garden Diary of Martha Turnbull, Mistress of Rosedown Plantation” written by Martha Turnbull and edited by Suzanne Turner in a bookstore in Franklin, TN. The book was published by LSU Press in 2012. Mrs. Turnbull’s diary spans the years from 1836 to 1894 and offers interesting information on the daily vegetable and ornamental gardening chores that went on in the gardens of Rosedown Plantation located in St. Francisville, LA.

One consistent activity Mrs. Turnbull listed in her diary for the beginning of January was planting of Irish potatoes, English peas, and starting transplants for tomatoes and eggplants. All activities for January that are still recommended today for South Louisiana gardeners. January weather can seem inhospitable to spring vegetable gardening, but now is the perfect time to get started.

Irish potatoes yield best in south Louisiana went planted between mid-January and mid-February. Occasionally they are burned by a late freeze in March, but potatoes tend to recover well from a light freeze. The three most common varieties of Irish potatoes that grow well in this region are Yukon Gold, Red Lasoda, and Kennbec. These varieties are known for their high yields and resistance to diseases.

Potatoes grow best in a loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is high in organic matter. Potatoes grow well in a raised bed or even a large grow bag at least 12” deep. Space planting rows 3 feet apart. Rows should be fertilized by banding under the seed bed with 7.5 pounds of 13-13-13 per 100 feet 10-14 days prior to planting.

Prepare potatoes for planting by cutting them into egg sized pieces with at least one eye per piece. Let cuts heal for a few days before planting in raised beds or hipped rows. To plant the seeds, dig a shallow trench about 4 inches deep and place sections of seed potatoes about 12 inches apart. Cover the trench with soil and water the area thoroughly.

English peas are a great legume for the winter garden. Recommend varieties include Mr. Big or Novella II (not edible-podded); Oregon Sugar Pod II (snow pea); and Sugar Snap or Sugar Ann (sugar snap peas). Like other legumes, English peas do not need much nitrogen fertilizer. For every 100 feet of row (or 300 square feet), 3 pounds 8-24-24 or 8-8-8, 2.5 pounds 10-10-10, or 2 pounds 13-13-13 can be incorporated into the soil, to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. It is best to do this 10-14 days ahead of planting.

Peas will do best when planted next to a trellis to support the vine. Space seeds 2-3 inches apart and plant at a depth of 0.5 to 1 inch. It typically takes 60-70 days for vines to start producing.

Lastly, while the threat of cold weather lingers on for at least 6-8 weeks, now is the time to seed tomatoes and eggplants indoors for growing your own transplants. A good seed starting mix will help ensure good germination and growth. Refrain from using old potting soil, soil out of the garden, or compost as these can harbor seedborne pathogens that could infect seedlings.

Soil temperature is important for germination. Tomato and pepper seeds will germinate best around 70-80 degrees, so be sure to locate the trays or pots in a warm location. High light intensity is needed for good plant development. Seedlings will grow long and spindly if the light intensity is too low. Grow lights and grow bulbs are sold online and at many garden centers. These are used to supplement sunlight and produce healthier plants. Of course, if you have a greenhouse, all the better.

With plenty of gardening activities to do in January, there’s no time for a winter break from gardening.

(Edited from news article published 1/8/2026)