What to grow this January

Flower seeds to germinate and grow

For the greenhouse or indoors:

• Germinate Antirrhinum Nanum ‘Frosted Flames’, also known as snapdragons in a propagator. Antirrhinum Nanum often have a long growth period before they begin to flower. So start sowing now to see the best results!
  
  

• Start sowing Begonia Semperflorens, Geranium (Pelargonium) and Dianthus Barbatus (Carnations/Pinks) for a stunning bedding display in summer.
  
  
• Sow Lobelia Pendula in a green house, which can be used for planting up hanging baskets during the warmer months.
  
  
• Have a windowsill going spare with a good source of natural light? Consider starting sweet pea seeds off this month.
  
  

Vegetables and herbs to sow and grow

In the greenhouse/indoors

• Start sprouting first early potatoes as soon as they arrive. Stand them on end in a module tray or egg box and place them in a bright, cool, frost-free place.
  
  
• Our top tip for growing Charlotte potatoes, is to place them in containers, under cover in potato bags for a very early crop. 
  
  
• It is best to Sow celeriac and celery in a heated propagator.
  
  
• Want that rustic, gourmet, lush kitchen look? Grow your favourite herb seeds on your windowsill to bring a splash of colour and fragrance into your kitchen as well as providing fresh greens early in the year.
  
  
• Give some TLC to your exhibition onion seeds, like onion ‘Ailsa Craig’ and ‘Globo’. Sow these now to give the bulbs time to grow as big as possible. Germinate seeds in modular tray, and pop it in a warm place. Grow the seedlings in cooler conditions after germination, until the risk of frost has passed, then transfer them outdoors - simple!
  
  
• Start sowing salad seeds, cauliflower, spring onions and spinach on a bright, indoor windowsill for tasty healthy greens, perfect for your healthy News Years resolutions!
  
  
• Start to sow broad bean ‘The Sutton’ in pots now. Keep the pots in a cold frame or in an unheated greenhouse.

Fruit to sow and grow

In the greenhouse/indoors

• Try growing rhubarb 'Glaskin's Perpetual' from seed. Thinly sow the seed in a heated propagator or place on a warm windowsill. Germination should occur between 21 and 40 days after sowing.
  
  
• Start off woodland strawberries and the ever-bearing variety ‘Florian’ now in seed trays in a sheltered spot.

In the cold frame/under cloches

• Keep strawberry runners and bare root plants under wraps to get an earlier crop of fruit this summer. Keep them nice and cosy in any old clothes you may have - a great way to recycle and be Eco friendly!

Plant outdoors

• Plant raspberry canes providing the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Choose sunny sites with free-draining soil. Grow a few varieties with different cropping times to extend the season.
  
  
• Plant blueberries this month in acidic soil. If you're looking for something a bit different, try planting the nutritious Blueberry ‘Pink Sapphire’ for unusual pink super sweet fruit.
  
  
• Plant bare-root fruit trees in January providing the ground isn’t frozen.
  
  

Keep one step ahead — what to order this month:

• Order first early potatoes for planting next month.
  Start thinking about which second early potato varieties you want to grow too!
  
  
• Consider ordering summer-flowering bulbs over the next few months for planting when frosty weather is finally over. Choose Gladioli for statuesque spires of colour and Dahlia tubers for huge blooms.
  
  
• Order Asparagus plants now. Prepare beds for planting before you order
  so you can put your crowns straight into the ground when they arrive.
  
  
• Make a note of any winter-flowering annuals that are currently in bloom in your garden for re-ordering next autumn.

Check out our range of goodies which will help you get going!

Remember folks...

A organised garden is a happy garden!