What to sow and grow in January
January might feel like a dormant month as far as growing is concerned, but there are a fair few flowers, fruits and vegetables that can be started under glass. Here are the main plants to sow and grow now, for rich pickings come springtime.
Flowers to sow and grow
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Start sweet peas off in gentle heat now |
In the greenhouse/indoors
- • Sow Antirrhinums (snapdragons) in a propagator – these plants need a long growth period before flowering, so sow now for good results.
- • Start growing Begonia, Geranium (Pelargonium) and Dianthus (Carnations/Pinks) from seed indoors, as these are also slow to flower.
- • Sow Lobelia under glass in gentle heat, for fabulous beds, containers and hanging baskets in the warmer months.
- • Start Sweet Peas off in gentle heat this month.
Vegetables and herbs to sow and grow
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Start chitting potatoes in a bright, frost-free place |
In the greenhouse/indoors
- • Start chitting (sprouting) early potatoes – stand them on end in a module tray or egg box, and place them in a bright, cool, frost-free place.
- • Grow potatoes in containers under cover for a very early crop (Charlotte potatoes are a good variety for this).
- • Grow your favourite herbs on your windowsill to bring colour and fragrance into your kitchen and provide fresh greens all year round.
- • Give exhibition onion seeds a head start – sow these now to give the bulbs time to grow as big as possible. Sow onion seeds in module trays and place in a propagator until germination, growing them on in cool conditions until all risk of frost has passed, and they can be transferred outdoors.
- • Grow salad leaves, cauliflowers, spring onions and spinach on a bright windowsill indoors, for tasty early greens.
- • Sow broad beans in pots now, if you live in a mild area. Place them in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
Fruit to sow and grow
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Start planting raspberry canes on sunny sites |
In the greenhouse/indoors
- • Start rhubarb from seed in a heated propagator.
In the cold frame/under cloches
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Grow strawberry plants under cover now to get an early summer crop |
- • Grow strawberry plants under cover to get an early crop this summer.
Plant outdoors
- • Plant raspberry canes and blueberries, providing the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Choose sunny sites with free-draining soil.If you're looking for something a bit different to add to your fruit garden this year, try planting the nutritious Blueberry Pink Berry.
- • Plant bare-root fruit trees in January, again, providing the ground isn’t frozen.
Keep one step ahead - what to order this month:
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Order summer flowering bulbs like gladioli in January |
