Already Given Up on Your New Year’s Resolutions? – Try Our Experts’ Achievable Projects Instead and Transform Your Garden in 2026
Get some inspiration for your gardening goals this year from our team of experts here at Gardening Know How.
Like many people, I always try to start the new year with a resolution that will surely change my life for the better. But, also like most people, I end up faltering because life looks a bit different on the other side of a holiday break. Overcommitting yourself, setting unrealistic goals, or making a completely unachievable resolution can leave you feeling defeated during the cold, dark days of winter.
If you’ve already given up on your New Year’s Resolutions, why not try something new instead? Get inspired by our staff’s garden goals for 2026. Whether you are looking for low maintenance options, ways to be more sustainable, new trends to try in 2026, or simply trying to be more present and enjoy your space, there is an achievable goal for you.
See what we’re planning for the year ahead!
Embrace the Shade
"I'm going to add a shady border to a dull, unloved area of my garden. My goal is to really add color and structure, while trying to avoid making a lot more work for myself. That means the plants need to be fairly low-maintenance. Over the years of living in my property, I have really focused on the sunnier areas of the garden, so I'm really looking forward to exploring the full potential of shade-tolerant plants."
- Melanie Griffiths, Editor in Chief
Get in the Zone
"I’m reducing lawn space this year! I want to plant more fruit trees, add a few raised beds, and better define the different zones in my garden. Plus, it’s time to finally get all my garden tools organized.
I’ve already started a shopping list, and a Chicago hardy fig tree from Fast Growing Trees and this Rubbermaid tool tower rack from Amazon are first on the list to get me moving!"
- Allie Kerkhoff, Senior Manager of Ecommerce/Commercial
Water-Wise Gardening
"I've got three big resolutions for 2026. One is to be more water wise and to do more to collect and utilize rainwater in my garden, because I get so much of it! Second, I want to plant more trees – I am currently looking for a pear or a quince to plant in my newly acquired half barrel container. And three, I actually want to spend more time in my backyard in 2026. I really want to spend more time soaking up the sights and smells of my green spaces, evolving patio and higgledy-piggledy container towers!"
- Janey Goulding, Content Editor
Consistency is Key
"In 2026, I’d really like to grow more microgreens on a weekly basis, either on my windowsill or outdoors in raised beds, so I have a steady supply of fresh salad toppings. To keep that going, I know I’ll need to invest in a large quantity of seed and trays so I can harvest consistently week after week.
I’m also planning to expand my cut flower garden this spring and summer. After great success with zinnias and cosmos last year, I’m ready to branch out into even more flower types and varieties. This "7 Cut-and-Come-Again Flowers" article is giving me a head start as I plan my seed shopping—and hopefully a season full of blooms to assemble into bouquets."
- Amy Draiss, Digital Community Manager
Transform an Eyesore
"I'm vowing to replace the sad strip of grass between our sidewalk and the road with flowers. Last year I diligently dug up grass and scattered cosmos seeds, but through a combination of dogs, erosion, and aggressive grass, I got a whopping five or six tiny plants. Maybe I can put down something like this erosion control blanket from Amazon to keep my seeds from washing away this year…"
- Liz Baessler, Senior Editor
Get Growing
"Last year was all about cleaning up my yard and getting rid of weeds and invasive plants like honeysuckle. This year, my goal is to actually start planting. I've already decided on my must-have plants: a sweetbay magnolia, some smooth hydrangeas, lots of peonies, and a climbing rose or two to cover the less-than-lovely brickwork on my garage."
- Laura Walters, Content Editor
Dig In
"My goal is to sacrifice a part of the lawn for a proper vegetable bed (one stuffed with herbs, so the bees and butterflies get to enjoy it, too) and to finally figure out what to do with our 'patio'. It’s all broken paving slabs at the moment, so the world is our oyster!"
- Kayleigh Dray, Discover Content Editor
Pollinator Paradise
"I want to continue to add to my front yard pollinator garden. My goal is to have a native shrub like buttonbush to add more diversity. I also want to transplant my aggressive milkweed into containers so I can help monarch butterflies without the milkweed popping up in my neighbor's front lawn!"
- Kathleen Walters, Content Editor
