What to Plant in January: Kick-Start Your Garden Year

January may seem like a quiet month in the garden, but it’s actually the perfect time to get a head start on the growing season. With the right planning and preparation, you can begin sowing a range of hardy plants that will set your garden up for success in the warmer months. Here’s what to plant in January to make the most of the winter gardening season.

1. Broad Beans

Broad beans are one of the best crops to sow early in the year. These hardy plants can handle the cold and grow well indoors or in a cold frame if the frost is severe. Starting broad beans in January gives them a head start, and they’ll be ready to produce a generous crop in spring. Varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ are especially suitable for early planting.

2. Chillies and Sweet Peppers

If you have a heated propagator or a warm windowsill, January is the perfect time to start sowing chillies and sweet peppers. These plants have a long growing season, so starting early ensures they have ample time to develop and produce a good harvest. Chillies, in particular, thrive with an early start and will reward you with a spicy yield by the summer.

3. Onions from Seed

Onions can be sown indoors in January, giving them a head start before they’re transplanted outside in the spring. Growing onions from seed rather than sets allows for more variety and often yields larger bulbs. Look for varieties like ‘Ailsa Craig’ or ‘Bedfordshire Champion’, which do well with an early sowing.

4. Herbs

January is a great time to start herbs indoors, especially slower-growing varieties like parsley, chives, and basil. Place them on a bright windowsill to help them establish before moving them outside when the weather warms up. These herbs will not only add a touch of green to your kitchen but will be ready for harvest by the time spring arrives.

5. Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are a classic addition to any UK garden, known for their beautiful blooms and lovely fragrance. Sowing sweet peas indoors in January gives them a head start, helping them grow strong and healthy. They do best in deep pots with a cold frame or greenhouse for protection until the frost passes. By summer, your garden will be filled with colourful, fragrant blooms.

Tips for January Planting

• Choose the Right Spot: For indoor sowing, find a sunny windowsill to give seeds plenty of light. A heated propagator or greenhouse also helps with early germination.
• Mind the Temperature: Be mindful of frost and ensure you have a plan to keep young seedlings warm if temperatures drop.
• Stay Patient: January planting is about getting a head start. Keep an eye on germination and be prepared to transplant seedlings into larger pots if they outgrow their initial containers.

Key Takeaways:

• Broad beans and onions are hardy, easy crops to start in January.
• Chillies and sweet peppers need an early start for a successful summer harvest.
• Herbs can be started indoors for a steady supply of fresh flavour.
• Sweet peas are perfect for January sowing, promising colourful blooms later in the year.

By focusing on these crops, you’ll have a productive start to your garden year, setting the stage for a vibrant spring and summer. Happy January planting!