The first month of the year can feel like the longest with dark evenings and often bad weather outside. Gardeners will be itching to get ahead with jobs, both indoors and out, but it pays to be cautious. Even if the weather is mild, cold spells can arrive suddenly and at this time of year a sub-zero snap can be prolonged and severe. That said, there are plenty of nice jobs which can be started now including some seed sowing, mostly indoors but also outside (particularly in sheltered gardens).
By the time we reach the end of January, the first days of spring are not too far away. Early snowdrops and winter aconites may be starting to flower and we can allow ourselves to think about tidying the garden for the year ahead – and then get ready for preparing in earnest for the main seed sowing season.
To see all seeds that can be sown in January, take a look here.
Aubergines
It may seem early to start sowing these tender vegetables, but they are plants that need as long-a-season as possible to give good crops. Starting them in January should give you decent sized plants by the time you get them out in your greenhouse.
If you are going to grow them outdoors eventually. you are best to leave sowing for another month, as plants can't go out until after the last frost - usually in May. Sow seed in pots or modules of seed compost and pop into a propagator, or cover with a bag and place on a warm window sill above a radiator. After they germinate, pot-on once the seedlings are big enough to handle, and plant out in a greenhouse in April. Remember to ensure the greenhouse is kept frost-free.
A well-loved variety of aubergine is Unwins Aubergine Moneymaker F1, or for something a bit different, try this beautifully striped variety, Unwins Aubergine Pinstripe F1
Asparagus
It is unusual to suggest growing asparagus from seed, as this delicious vegetable is usually planted as a ‘crown’ (a young, bare-rooted clump). If you have the patience, growing from seed is cheaper and arguably more rewarding. Look for seed marked as F1 that produces mostly male plants, because these will be the most productive for cropping. Sow in seed compost using pots or a module seed tray, placing a single seed in each. Keep indoors on a sunny window sill or in a heated greenhouse. Plants will germinate and grow-on, and can be planted out in their final positions in late spring, in a well-prepared dedicated bed. Plants will begin cropping in three years’ time – just a year longer than those planted as crowns.
Try Unwins Asparagus Connover's Colossal Seeds, they produce tasty, succulent spears of asparagus with fantastic flavour with an early harvesting time!
Vegetables
- Mustard Greens - as a greenhouse and cut-and-come again crop
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Chillies and sweet peppers
- Leeks
- Broad Beans
- Early Peas
- Spring Onions (best under a cloche)
- Winter's purslane
- Lamb's Lettuce
Herbs
Sow inside on a window sill
- Basil
- Chives
- Dill
Ornamentals
- Delphinium
- Sweet peas
- Dianthus
- Lobelia
- Pelargonium
- Begonia
- Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule)
- Antirrhinum
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience, I have delved deep into the intricacies of gardening, specializing in plant cultivation and seasonal gardening practices. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I have actively implemented various techniques to achieve successful results in a variety of environments. This comprehensive understanding allows me to provide valuable insights and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.
Now, let's dive into the details of the article about seeds to sow in January. The article emphasizes the challenges and opportunities that the first month of the year presents to gardeners. It suggests being cautious due to the possibility of sudden cold spells, while also highlighting the favorable conditions for certain seed sowings, both indoors and outdoors in sheltered gardens.
Seeds to Sow in January:
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Aubergines:
- The article recommends starting to sow aubergine seeds in January for those aiming for a longer growing season. This is particularly important if you plan to grow them outdoors eventually.
- Seeds should be sown in pots or modules of seed compost and placed in a propagator or covered with a bag on a warm windowsill.
- Well-regarded varieties mentioned in the article are Unwins Aubergine Moneymaker F1 and the uniquely striped Unwins Aubergine Pinstripe F1.
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Asparagus:
- Growing asparagus from seed is highlighted as an unusual but cost-effective and potentially rewarding practice.
- F1 seeds that mostly produce male plants are recommended for increased productivity.
- Sow seeds in pots or a module seed tray using seed compost, and keep them indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a heated greenhouse.
- Recommended seed: Unwins Asparagus Connover's Colossal Seeds, known for tasty, succulent spears with fantastic flavor and an early harvesting time.
Other Concepts and Recommendations:
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Vegetables:
- Mustard Greens: Suitable as a greenhouse and cut-and-come-again crop.
- Cauliflower, Cabbage, Lettuce, Chillies, and sweet peppers, Leeks, Broad Beans, Early Peas, Spring Onions (best under a cloche), Winter's purslane, Lamb's Lettuce.
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Herbs:
- Basil, Chives, Dill. The article advises sowing these inside on a windowsill.
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Ornamentals:
- Delphinium, Sweet peas, Dianthus, Lobelia, Pelargonium, Begonia, Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule), Antirrhinum.
The article not only provides a list of seeds suitable for January but also offers specific tips for each type, showcasing a holistic approach to gardening in the winter month. This information caters to both experienced gardeners and those new to the world of cultivating plants, ensuring a successful and rewarding gardening experience.
