As we embark on a new year, January may seem like a chilly, dormant period for gardeners, but don’t be fooled. This guide by Jean Baptiste introduces a range of vegetables you can sow both indoors and outdoors during this cold month. Let’s explore the green possibilities that January has in store for your garden.
1. Garlic:
A member of the onion family, garlic thrives in well-drained soil and sunlight. Surprisingly easy to grow, January is an opportune time for planting. Ensure you buy bulb garlic from your local garden center for varieties suited to French cultivation.
Pro Tip: Explore different garlic varieties for varying flavors, from strong to mild, or try the large and mild-tasting elephant garlic.
2. Onions and Shallots:
Low-maintenance and undemanding, onions and shallots flourish in any fertile, well-drained soil. Sow their seeds in January and store them in a greenhouse or shelter until spring, allowing them to acclimate before planting.
Pro Tip: Opt for a heated propagator to yield larger onions than those planted in April.
3. Beans:
While February and March are popular months for fava beans, January offers a head start in mild regions. Sow them in pots and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse for early-year harvesting.
Pro Tip: Protect seeds under cloches or fleece in extremely cold weather.
4. Lettuces, Cabbages, and Cauliflowers:
Sow lettuce, cabbage, and cauliflower seeds indoors in January for early summer harvests. Lettuces, particularly robust, can weather unexpected challenges and provide delightful salads even after setbacks.
Pro Tip: Indoor cultivation allows for an early April harvest, while cauliflowers sown in January can be reaped in June or July.
5. Peas:
Hardy peas can brave January’s cold. Sow them in large pots, and if space is limited, start them in a cold greenhouse before moving them outside.
Pro Tip: Protect pea pots outdoors to deter pests like mice or birds.
6. Spinach:
January is also an excellent time to sow spinach, adding another nutrient-packed green to your garden.
7. Vegetable Brussels Sprouts:
Include Brussels sprouts in your January planting for a robust addition to your vegetable lineup.
Other Gardening Tasks:
Beyond sowing, January beckons additional gardening tasks. Digging your plot, spreading manure or lime, and preparing trenches for future crops, such as runner beans, are excellent initiatives.
Pro Tip: Begin ordering seeds in January for a head start on the growing season and take advantage of appealing prices.
Ready-to-Harvest Crops:
In January, reap the rewards of your previous efforts with bountiful harvests, including green beans, parsnips, kale, winter cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
Conclusion: Contrary to the winter chill, January holds promise for avid gardeners. Follow this guide to embrace the green potential of this month and get your garden ready for a fruitful year. For more tips and advice, join the Vegetable Garden Facebook group and let your garden thrive!
