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Sowing and Growing - What to Plant in January
Christmas and New Year are over, and spring is still a few months away, but if youre anything like us, youll already be itching to get back in the garden!
January might be the coldest month, but that doesnt mean you cant get plenty done. Although you wont be able to plant a huge amount outside, if youve got a greenhouse or cold frame, theres plenty of planting to be getting on with.
In this guide, we show you what you can be planting and sowing now.
Outside
Outside, the freezing temperatures mean your options are pretty limited.
As long as the ground isnt frozen, you should be able to sow some hardy broad beans outside (although theyll be better off in a cold frame!). If youve got a cold frame or some cloches, you can also start off some strawberry plants, ready for an early summer harvest.
January is also the best time to start forcing your rhubarb. Whilst you can buy specialist rhubarb forcers, an upturned bin or large pot will work just as well.
You can also start to warm up the soil ready for February “ so set out some cloches or polythene over the areas youre going to want to do some early sowing in. This will also help to keep the soil dry.
Under glass
If youve got a greenhouse, then the options really start to open up, so you can get a good head start on your spring planting.
January is a great time to sow:
- Broad beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Early summer cabbage
- Calabrese
- Cauliflowers
- Leeks
- Onions
- Peas
- Radishes
- Shallots
- Spinach
- Turnips
If you are planning on growing under glass in January, you will need to ensure that the temperatures inside your greenhouse stay warm enough, especially on colder nights. Investing in a good quality greenhouse heater is the best way to keep the cold away.
If you have a heated propagator, then you can also look to start off your celeriac and celery now.
Inside
If you havent got a greenhouse, then you can still sow seeds indoors, in pots or trays, on a sunny windowsill.
In addition to all the varieties you can plant under glass, youll also be able to sow:
- Asparagus
- Globe artichokes
- Salad leaves
Planning
Your January planting options might be limited by the weather, but that doesnt mean you cant start thinking about your gardening plans for the rest of the year.
When it comes to planting, the possibilities are virtually endless. Do some research, have a think about the new varieties youd like to try out this year, then head over to the seeds section of our website.
Planting and seeds
You can only reap what you sow, and to do that, you need to make sure youve got all the right equipment. At Keen Gardener, youll find everything you need to reap a bounteous harvest come summer!
Check out the planting and seeds section of our store, where youll find a comprehensive range of tools, seeds and planting equipment, all available at unbeatable prices.