After you’ve made resolutions for yourself this year, set some gardening goals to help improve your indoor and outdoor space. Whether you focus on growing food, supporting the environment, or simplifying tasks, there are ways to enhance plant care indoors and out.

Indoor Gardening Goals

During the winter months, there’s more focus on indoor plants. Whether you have houseplants year round or you’re starting seeds indoors, there are ways you can help improve plant health.

• Adjust watering and sunlight. Plants don’t need as much water in the winter, but they do need more light. Adjust watering to only when the soil is dry and use grow lamps to increase light during the day.
• Expand your indoor collection with air plants, terrariums, bonsai, or hanging plants to fit your space and learn new growing techniques.
• Make it easier on yourself and your plants by using self-watering containers and grow light timers.

Once your houseplants or seed starters are situated, you can start planning for how to improve your outdoor gardens this spring.

Outdoor Gardening Goals

Whether you have perennials coming back this year or annuals to plant, keep these tips in mind to support the environment and healthy plant growth.

• Mark your calendar for the best time to plant what’s on your wish list.
• Hang bird feeders, create a pollinator-friendly garden, and provide a pest-free water source for garden visitors.
• Install a rain barrel or set up a drip irrigation system to help conserve water while benefiting your plants.
• Start composting to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
• Experiment with a new garden design, such as vertical or raised beds, to maximize your space.
• Treat yourself with a new tool to make planting or weeding easier.

Keep track your goals and successes in a journal and learn from your garden. Take it a step further by enrolling in a class to learn a new plant care skill. Share your knowledge and garden bounty with neighbors—whether it’s homegrown produce or plant clippings and seeds. There’s a lot to learn from your indoor and outdoor garden, and 11 more months to fulfill your gardening goals.

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