We do not always think of January as an optimal month for planting. It is largely viewed as a month in which the ground is cold, hard and inhospitable – often covered with a layer of frost or even ice.
There is, however, more that you can do during January to prepare for the spring than you might think. This article will cover all that you need to know about January planting.
Can I plant anything in January in the UK?
There is actually very little limit on what you can plant throughout January, as there are herbs, flowers and vegetables that are suitable. You may need to take some extra precautions though, to protect your plants from the worst of the UK winter weather.
That can mean planting them in pots and then transferring them to your garden beds when we get nearer to the spring. As well as shielding your plants from harsh winds and overly wet soil; this will also enable you to provide them with plenty of light. If you are planting in January, you may also need to compensate for the lack of natural light by using something like grow lights. You can set up a heated propagator within your greenhouse to provide the plants with extra warmth.
What is the plant of the month in January?
The plant of the month for January this year is Raspberry ‘Autumn Bliss’. This is a short cane plant that you can bed in during the opening month of the year, enabling you to enjoy mouth-watering raspberries in the spring. It is ideal for pot growing, which is the best option during winter, but can also go straight into your garden.
Plant them in rows around 50cm away from each other, try to provide both sunlight and shelter, and add quality fertiliser. Then, just water on a regular basis.
Can I still plant bulbs in January in the UK?
Bulbs can be planted in January, but the optimal time is either October or November, before the ground hardens. It is okay to put them down during December or January too, though. Just scatter fertiliser and lay them on the top of your soil if it is frozen. Never try to force them into hard soil, as this will cause the base to be damaged.
What flowers to plant in January in the UK?
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are great choices for winter planting and can be put either in pots or beds. If you put them during the early part of January, they will start to emerge in late winter or for the beginning of spring. The main reason why they are good for winter planting is that they are durable. They can cope with harsh cold and will grow equally well in sunny or shady spots.
Make sure the soil you plant them in is loose and relatively dry, and then add either leaf mould or compost.
Broad beans
Broad beans are among the best vegetable plants for January, because they can germinate in cold conditions. You must make sure that the soil is not frozen hard or wet and clay-like though – as both will cause rotting. If January is rainy, put them in pots and then move to the garden when the soil dries out.
Top the soil with compost, plant them roughly one inch below and keep them sheltered until they start to sprout. Then provide as much sunlight as possible. You will then be able to harvest them between May and August.
Sweet peas
These are not to be confused with actual peas – sweet peas are flowers with pink/purple petals. They should be planted in either tubes or pots and put them 6cm deep into the soil for the former and 7cm for the latter. Then, add 10% grit and seed compost to the mix.
Sweet pea plants are best stored in a greenhouse that is not heated, but a cold frame will also work. Germination time is around two weeks, and they will bloom in late spring or early summer.
Cyclamen
This can be planted in January, provided the soil has not frozen hard. Make sure it is properly drained and pick a spot with some shade for the best results. Plant the seeds between 5 and 8cm apart and 3cm deep in the soil. Then water regularly, but keep the soil damp rather than soggy.
There are lots of flowers, fruits and vegetables that can be planted in January, so you can enjoy a summer of colour and flavour.
