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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBroad Beans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hardy varieties can be sown now in sheltered spots. Use fleece or cloches to protect young plants from frost and birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Onions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overwintering onion sets can be planted if the soil is workable and free-draining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garlic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Garlic can still go in this month. Plant individual cloves, pointed end up, and avoid very wet ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chilli Seeds (Indoors)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chillies benefit from an early start. Sow indoors in warmth and good light, but don’t rush growth – slow and steady works best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Note on Soil and Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If the soil is frozen, saturated, or easily compacted, it’s best to wait. Walking on wet ground can cause long-term damage. Raised beds, fleece, cloches, and patience all help make the most of January sowing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeding Success<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
January is prime time for seed catalogues \u2014 full of inspiration and good intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get your seeds in order, reduce waste, have a great plan<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choosing Varieties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stick to crops you know you’ll eat and that grow well on your plot. A mix of trusted favourites and one or two new varieties keeps things manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoiding Over-Buying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check what seeds you already have before ordering. Seed swaps with other plot holders can also reduce waste and cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organising & Storing Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sort seeds by crop or sowing month and check use-by dates. Store them somewhere cool, dry, and dark, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- a sealed tin or box<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- glass jars with lids<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- labelled envelopes inside an airtight container<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Keep seeds away from damp sheds and greenhouses to help them stay viable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A little planning and organisation now can make spring sowing much easier \u2014 and far less cluttered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sow It Begins: Planting in January January may be quiet on the plot, but a few crops can be started now if conditionsare right. The main rule is don’t work the soil if it’s frozen or waterlogged. Broad Beans Hardy … Continue reading