A quick search online just yielded hundreds of results for the phrase “new year’s resolutions.” For the most part, what turned up was a roster of articles in a format I just abhor – lists of tips, most of which are neither helpful nor practical; many of which are downright laughable. But . . . → Read More: New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners: Wait Until Spring!]]>

A quick search online just yielded hundreds of results for the phrase “new year’s resolutions.” For the most part, what turned up was a roster of articles in a format I just abhor – lists of tips, most of which are neither helpful nor practical; many of which are downright laughable. But my favorite, if only because it was that rare fresh take on the topic, was an article from the Times of India that came up near the top of the search results. I got a kick out of the fact it took a decidedly pessimistic tone — here’s what it said:

Thinking of starting all over again with the turn of the New Year? Don’t bother because making resolutions is a near pointless exercise, psychologists have clarified.

Ha! It’s refreshingly honest, but is it true?

To my mind, the part that’s pointless is pegging the desire for change to a somewhat meaningless date on the calendar, in this case January first. January is not a good time for new beginnings. Think about it – other than your paper calendar (if you haven’t switched to a digital version) what changes in January? It’s still winter. The days are still too short. The flannel sheets are still on the bed, and you’re still wearing sweaters and boots. Basically, you feel the same way you did in December. And I don’t know about you, but I feel generally sluggish in winter.

If you’re a gardener, January isn’t a good time to make many meaningful changes in the garden (unless, of course, you live in Southern California, that fantasy land of endless summer). So why make resolutions about catching up on weeding and pruning now?

Spring is a better time for new beginnings.

In springtime, you change your wardrobe. The lengthening days put a bounce in your step and give you a renewed sense of purpose. And outdoors, everything is waking up, shooting up, leafing out, and bursting forth. Even if you’re not a gardener, this is clearly a time when change is in the air – so why not ride the wave and put all this energy to work for you? I honestly believe if people made springtime resolutions, they’d be more likely to succeed at keeping them.

Photo is from the Flickr photostream of Hamed Saber thru a Creative Commons license.