As 2026 kicks off, residents across Fort Bend County are embracing the fresh start that January offers—both indoors and out in the garden. With cooler temperatures settling in and the forecast pointing to sporadic Gulf Coast moisture and mild fronts throughout the month, now is the ideal time to get your hands in the soil, plan for spring, and brighten your outdoor spaces with winter-friendly color.

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners recommend January as a pivotal month for pruning, planting, planning, and preparation—a “reset” moment for yards and gardens across Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, and the surrounding communities.

January Gardening in Fort Bend County: Seasonal Conditions and Planning Ahead

While January in southeast Texas rarely brings deep freezes, occasional frosts are always a possibility. Forecasts for 2026 suggest a mix of chilly mornings and warmer daytime highs, giving local gardeners a valuable window to get ahead of spring planting. Take advantage of the mild weather by planting bare-root trees, dividing perennials, or simply mapping out a new garden bed or layout for your space.

If you’re feeling stuck indoors, this is also a perfect time to start a garden journal—a tip from the Fort Bend Master Gardeners that helps you track your plants, notes, and progress all year long.

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Fort Bend County January Gardening Checklist

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, here are practical steps to take this month:

Trees, Shrubs, and Structural Changes

• Plant roses, fruit trees, and nut trees now. The longer they have to establish roots, the better they’ll fare in summer heat.
• Now’s the time to relocate shrubs or small trees before the growing season begins.
• Prune dormant deciduous trees and shrubs. It’s easier to see their structure while they’re leafless
• Clean up fallen fruit under trees to reduce pest and disease risks.
• If you have St. Augustine grass, keep it clear of fallen leaves so it continues to receive sunlight during dormancy.

Ornamental Grasses, Vines & Groundcovers

• Cut back ornamental grasses to 2–4 inches tall.
• Vines and groundcovers can also be trimmed now to improve appearance in spring.

Vegetables, Herbs, and Seeds

• Start spring vegetable seeds indoors—think broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and cauliflower.
• Plant onion sets directly in garden beds this month.
• Mid-January through mid-February is prime time to transplant cool-season veggie starts like Swiss chard, collards, and onions into the ground
• Browse seed catalogs for inspiration and place early orders before supplies run low.

Indoor & Greenhouse Tasks

• Repot or clean houseplants.
• Sanitize used containers and, if you’re lucky enough to have one, give your greenhouse a thorough cleaning.

Color in the Winter Garden: Cool-Season Annuals That Thrive in Fort Bend

Even though January isn’t known for lush blooms, there’s no need for your yard to look bare. Several cool-season annuals bring welcome color and life to local gardens this time of year:

• Ornamental Kale & Cabbage – With pink, purple, or white foliage, these leafy plants create a vivid base layer.
• Snapdragons – Available in a rainbow of colors, snapdragons range in height and thrive in full to partial sun.
• Pansies – A winter favorite, pansies offer cheerful blooms in various hues, great for borders or containers.
• Narcissus (Daffodils, Paperwhites, Jonquils) – These bulbs bloom reliably in full sun.
• Johnny-Jump-Ups – Small and tri-colored, these charming flowers love cool temps and add a pop of whimsy

For a longer-term addition, consider planting a Chinkapin Oak, a Texas native tree praised for its adaptability, fall color, and ability to tolerate both heat and drought once established. It's a Texas Superstar® selection that grows 50–90 feet tall and can be planted from containers year-round.

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Final Winter Gardening Reminders

• Fertilize cool-season annuals like pansies and snapdragons with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to keep blooms coming.
• Gather plant covers now to be ready for any frost events.
• Make notes of what’s working—and what isn’t—in your landscape to guide changes for spring.

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners maintain several Demonstration Gardens—outdoor teaching spaces designed to inspire gardeners, share best practices, and showcase a wide range of horticultural techniques. These gardens serve as hands-on training grounds for Master Gardeners, covering skills such as transplanting, rooting, plant identification, insect control, and landscape design.

They also demonstrate best practices in home gardening to residents across Fort Bend County. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour through the 4-acre gardens located in front of the Agriculture Center at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg, 77471. Maps are available onsite, and if you’re lucky, you might catch Master Gardeners at work and have a chance to ask questions. 

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.