Head gardener Benjamin Pope is keeping busy this month in preparation for spring. Here are his suggestions of what you could be planting through the month of January
Seeds to sow and plants to get in the earth in January to make sure you’ve a thriving garden in spring
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Don’t miss our suggestions of the best winter-flowering plants, the gardening jobs for January and the top winter walks in gardens.
What to plant in the garden in January
Onions, broad beans and sweet peas
In terms of seed sowing, January is still a dark month, and outside is often too cold and wet. However, by the end of the month I generally find that I can’t wait any longer and start off onions, broad beans and sweet peas in modules, first in the greenhouse but then quickly moving them somewhere cool (but frost free) to grow on.
Sweet peas
I find starting off sweet peas now easier than looking after them through all of winter, though these early module sowings usually require potting on and supporting with split canes or twigs, before planting out in spring.
Here’s more on how to grow sweet peas
Don’t plant perennials, plant trees and shrubs
As January is usually one of the coldest months, I would avoid planting perennials (which I’ve found generally do better if they can get growing straight away). Instead, plant trees and shrubs. Bareroot season is in full swing and planting a hedge is a great way to add structure to the garden and provide habitat for wildlife.
This year I am going to plant the seldom-seen Sorbus torminalis (known commonly as both the checker tree and the wild service tree), where its flowers, leaves and fruit will provide a good source of food for a range of wildlife.
Growing greens inside
Don’t let the low temperatures or the lack of a garden stop you growing. Even if it’s too cold to venture outside – indeed, even if you don’t have a space to venture out to – there’s no reason why you should be deprived of fresh greens. As long as you have a windowsill, you can take advantage of the micro-climate indoors to sow some quick-growing herbs and salads. Try parsley, coriander, peppery rockets and mustards, radishes or one of the winter salad mixes designed specifically to do well during the shorter days.
Fruit and veg in pots
One of the joys of growing fruit and vegetables in pots is that you can choose the soil to suit the plant. Blueberries, for example – as members of the Ericaceae family, they need acidic soil in order to thrive. Few of us have this in our gardens, but a large pot filled with good-quality ericaceous compost will provide the perfect micro-environment.
If you’re going to be growing in a pot, choose a dwarf cultivar. I’ve had good results from ‘Top Hat’ (Vaccinium corymbosum), which has medium-sized fruit with an excellent flavour. Add a little grit to the compost when you’re filling the pot to aid drainage. Blueberries are best watered with rainwater, as tap water contains lime, which will raise the pH of the soil over time. Make sure you use an ericaceous feed, too. In winter, remove any old or damaged wood and mulch around the base – a layer of pine needles is ideal, as it will add further acid to the soil – making sure to leave a clear margin around the stem.
Don’t miss our round up of the best perennial plants