WHAT TO GROW NOW....
January might be the middle of winter but as the days lengthen the garden starts to grow. Now is a great time to plan for the coming gardening year and to order seeds and plants. Enjoy the fresh air, on dry sunny days, and check your winter protection, stakes, ties and supports are still working after any severe weather. Also put out food for birds and leave some garden areas uncut, a little longer, to provide shelter for wildlife in your garden.
Plants to Sow and Grow
- Sow Antirrhinums (snapdragons) – these plants need a long growth period before flowering, so sow now for good results.
- Start growing Geranium (Pelargonium) and Dianthus (Carnations/Pinks) from seed indoors, as these are also slow to flower.
- Start Sweet Peas off in gentle heat this month.
- Begonia tubers and Gladioli bulbs as well as most of the Summer bulbs can be started indoor.
Vegetable and Herbs to Sow and Grow
- Grow potatoes in containers under cover for a very early crop (Sharpes Express potatoes are a good variety for this).
- Grow salad leaves, cauliflowers, spring onions and spinach on a bright windowstill indoors, for tasty early greens.
- Grow your favourite herbs on your windowsill to bring colour and fragrance into your kitchen and provide fresh greens all year round
Fruit to Sow and Grow
- Start rhubarb fresh stools this month.
- Plant fruit trees in January, again, providing the ground isn’t frozen.
- Plant raspberry and blueberries, providing the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.
