Plants to Plant in January in the UK: A Gardener’s Guide

January is a great time to plan and prepare for the upcoming gardening season in the UK. While the weather might be cold and the days short, there are plenty of crops and plants you can start growing indoors, in greenhouses, or even directly outdoors under the right conditions. Discover what plants to plant in January, tips for successful gardening, and how to make the most of this winter month.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Indoor Planting in January
3. Greenhouse Planting in January
4. Outdoor Planting in January
5. Top Vegetables to Plant in January
6. Top Flowers to Sow in January
7. Tips for Gardening in January
8. FAQs About January Planting in the UK
9. Conclusion
10. Meta Description

Introduction

While January may seem like a dormant month for gardening, it’s actually the perfect time to get ahead. With careful planning and the use of indoor setups, cold frames, or greenhouses, UK gardeners can start sowing a variety of seeds and preparing for the growing season.

Indoor Planting in January

1. Chillies and Peppers:
   • Start seeds indoors to give them a head start for a longer growing season.
2. Herbs:
   • Basil, parsley, and coriander can be sown in pots on sunny windowsills.
3. Microgreens:
   • Quick-growing crops like radish, cress, and mustard are perfect for indoor trays.
4. Tomatoes:
   • Sow early varieties under grow lights for transplanting later in spring.

Greenhouse Planting in January

1. Winter Lettuce:
   • Hardy varieties grow well in a greenhouse with a little protection.
2. Broad Beans:
   • Sow in pots to transplant outdoors later.
3. Spinach:
   • A fast-growing crop that thrives in the cooler greenhouse environment.
4. Strawberries:
   • Plant runners in greenhouse beds for an early harvest.

Outdoor Planting in January

1. Garlic:
   • Plant cloves in well-drained soil if the ground isn’t frozen.
2. Onions (Sets):
   • Winter varieties can be planted outdoors in mild regions.
3. Bare-Root Fruit Trees:
   • Ideal time to plant apples, pears, and plums in well-prepared soil.
4. Rhubarb Crowns:
   • Set out crowns in sunny, well-drained spots.

Top Vegetables to Plant in January

1. Broad Beans: Sow in pots or directly outdoors in milder climates.
2. Peas: Early varieties can be started under cover.
3. Leeks: Start seeds in trays for transplanting later.
4. Parsnips: Sow directly outdoors if the ground is workable.
5. Winter Salad Leaves: Ideal for greenhouse or cold-frame growing.

Top Flowers to Sow in January

1. Sweet Peas: Sow in pots indoors for planting out in spring.
2. Lobelia: Start seeds indoors for vibrant summer displays.
3. Delphiniums: Sow under cover for an early start.
4. Begonias: Begin tubers in trays for an early bloom.
5. Antirrhinum (Snapdragon): Start seeds indoors for summer flowering.

Tips for Gardening in January

1. Use Protection:
   • Cover outdoor plants with fleece or cloches to shield them from frost.
2. Check Soil Conditions:
   • Avoid planting in waterlogged or frozen ground.
3. Start Indoors:
   • Use propagators or sunny windowsills to start seeds early.
4. Prepare Beds:
   • Clear debris and add compost or manure to enrich the soil for spring planting.
5. Prune and Tidy:
   • Prune fruit trees and bushes to encourage healthy growth.

FAQs About January Planting in the UK

1. Can I plant seeds directly outdoors in January?

Answer: Only hardy crops like garlic and onions should be sown outdoors, and only if the ground isn’t frozen.

2. What vegetables grow best in January?

Answer: Broad beans, peas, spinach, and winter lettuce are ideal for January planting.

3. Do I need a greenhouse for January planting?

Answer: While a greenhouse is helpful, many seeds can also be started indoors on windowsills.

4. How do I protect plants from frost?

Answer: Use fleece, cloches, or cold frames to shield plants from freezing temperatures.

5. Can I plant flowers in January?

Answer: Yes, flowers like sweet peas and lobelia can be started indoors this month.

Conclusion

January is the perfect month to lay the groundwork for a productive gardening year. With indoor sowing, greenhouse planting, and careful outdoor preparation, you can get a head start on crops and flowers that will thrive in the coming months. Embrace the cold and start planning your garden today!