While most gardeners are cozied up indoors during January, there’s actually something magical happening in the gardening world! It’s prime time for getting a head start on your growing season with some seeds to sow in January! Did you know that some of your summer favorites, like chillies and aubergines, need these dark winter days to get their best possible start?
I’ve spent years perfecting my January seed-sowing routine, and I’m excited to share what you can plant right now. From windowsill herbs to summer flowers, there’s a surprising variety of plants that thrive when started in the year’s first month. Learn how to turn these cold winter days into a productive growing opportunity.
List of Recommended Seeds to Sow in January for Vegetable Gardeners
Besides sowing seeds in December, January’s the perfect time to kick off your gardening year, and I’ll tell you why – it’s all about getting that crucial head start on the growing season. While it might seem early to think about sowing seeds, this timing’s actually ideal for many vegetables that need a longer growing period to reach their full potential.
You’ll want to focus on warmth-loving plants like aubergines and chillies first. These little guys need plenty of time to mature, and starting them indoors (I use my warm windowsill) gives them the cozy temperatures they need – around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. Pop them in individual pots with quality seed compost, and you’ll have strong plants ready for spring planting.
Cauliflower and cabbage are other great options for January sowing. I’ve found they do brilliantly when started in small pots indoors, giving you robust plants that’ll be ready for summer harvesting. Just make sure you’ve got some horticultural fleece handy for when they eventually move outdoors.
For a quick-growing crop, try lettuce varities and other leafy greens. They’re brilliant for growing under cloches or in a greenhouse, and you’ll love having fresh salad leaves on tap. I particularly enjoy growing them as cut-and-come-again crops – it’s like having a perpetual salad bar in your garden!
Don’t forget about broad beans and early peas. They’re some of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginner gardens. If you’re in a mild area, you can sow these directly in the garden under protection. I always cover mine with cloches – it’s amazing how much difference a bit of protection makes to their early growth.
What Vegetables to Plant in January
Root Vegetables and Alliums
You’ll find onions and leeks are perfect candidates for January sowing. I like to start my onions indoors in late January (especially if you’re in Zones 8 to 10), while those in cooler regions can wait until February.
Here’s a pro tip: trim the tops of your onion seedlings to about 3 inches – it really helps develop strong roots! Spring onions are brilliant too, and they’ll do wonderfully under cloches for that extra protection against winter chills.
Brassicas
Broccoli’s a fantastic choice for January sowing, particularly if you’re in Zones 8 to 10. I always aim to get these harvested before the peak summer heat hits – it’s the best way to avoid bolting. For the best results, start them indoors where you can control the growing conditions.
Indoor Growing Tips
Leeks need special attention – I’ve found thin pots or modules work best, and they love a bright windowsill spot. The key is maintaining consistent light and temperature control. For all these vegetables, remember that indoor growing gives you that crucial advantage of controlled conditions.
You’ll want to pay special attention to your growing containers and compost quality. I always use fresh, high-quality seed compost for starting vegetables indoors – it makes such a difference to germination rates. Keep your seedlings in the warmest spot you can find (a sunny windowsill works wonders), and you’ll be rewarded with strong, healthy plants ready for spring planting.
Best Herbs to Sow in January
January’s also the perfect time to start your indoor herb garden, and I’ve got some fantastic options that’ll thrive on your windowsill. Let’s talk about my favorite herbs to sow this month.
Basil
You’ll want to give basil special attention – it’s a bit particular about its growing conditions, but the results are worth it! I always sow my basil seeds right on the surface of a quality compost tray, then add a light dusting of vermiculite. Keep the temperature between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll see those little seedlings pop up in about 2 to 3 weeks. I’ve found my kitchen windowsill provides the perfect spot – warm and sunny, just how basil likes it.
Chives
If you’re new to growing herbs, start with chives – they’re practically foolproof! I love growing these sturdy little plants on my sunniest windowsill. They’ll reward you with fresh, oniony flavors all year round, and you don’t need to fuss over them much. Just keep the soil consistently moist, and they’ll do their thing.
Dill
Here’s a herb that’s incredibly versatile and easy to grow. I start my dill seeds in small pots on a bright windowsill, and they’re usually up within a week. The best part? You can use it fresh in summer salads or dry it for winter cooking. Just make sure to give the seedlings enough space – I’ve learned the hard way that crowded dill doesn’t grow well because of a lack of sunlight. So if you see your dill turning yellow, that’s probably why.
Remember to check your herb seedlings daily – I always run my finger over them gently in the morning to feel if they need water. It’s amazing how quickly these January-sown herbs can fill your kitchen with fresh, aromatic growth!
Beautiful Flowers to Start in January
January’s not just for vegetables – it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your summer flower display too! I’ve had great success starting several varieties indoors this month, and I’ll share my top picks with you.
Sweet Peas and Geraniums
Sweet peas are among my favorites for January sowing. I use deep pots (about 2.5 inches) and keep them in my unheated greenhouse where temperatures stay above 54 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re usually up in about two weeks, and the scent come summer is absolutely worth the winter wait!
For geraniums, I’ve found that thinly sown trays with a bit of added grit work brilliantly. Keep them in a heated propagator at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll see seedlings within 3 to 12 days. They’re really reliable bloomers that’ll give you masses of color all summer long. You can save geraniums for winter so they bloom again for many decades.
Spectacular Summer Bloomers
Dahlias are another fantastic choice for January sowing and for a monochromatic garden. I start mine in compost trays, keeping them at about 64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re quick to germinate – usually within 5 to 20 days. For delphiniums, I’ve got a special trick: pop the seeds in the fridge for a few weeks before sowing. It gives them an energy boost that really shows in their growth!
Begonias add vibrant color to your space, but they need a bit more care. I sow them right on the surface of the compost and just barely cover them with vermiculite. They love temperatures between 66 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the results are stunning.
Don’t forget about sweet williams and lobelias – they’re brilliant for early sowing and will reward you with months of color. I particularly love Iceland poppies too – just keep them at a minimum of 54 degrees Fahrenheit and be patient, as they can take up to three weeks to germinate.
Remember, all these flowers need good light once they’re up, so a bright windowsill or greenhouse shelf is perfect. I always sow a few extra seeds than needed – it’s better to have too many plants than too few!
Starting Your Garden Journey
As we’ve explored, January isn’t just about hibernating – it’s about laying the groundwork for an abundant garden year ahead. Whether you’re starting herbs on your windowsill, nurturing summer vegetables, or planning a spectacular flower display, these early sowings will reward you with stronger plants and earlier harvests.
Remember, gardening success is all about timing, and starting these seeds in January puts you ahead of the game. So grab your seed trays, fire up that propagator, and let’s get growing – your future self will thank you come harvest time!