Seed Stories

January may look quiet in the garden, but it is far from a dead month. While beds outside rest under cold, wet soil, indoors and under cover there is plenty a gardener can do. Sowing seeds in January is not about rushing the season — it is about giving slow-growing plants the gentle head start they need. For UK gardeners especially, sowing under cover protects young seedlings from frost, heavy rain and low light, while still allowing growth to begin. What does “under cover” mean? Sowing under cover simply means protecting seeds from harsh winter conditions. This can include: a bright windowsill indoors a cold frame or greenhouse a heated propagator a porch or conservatory with good light The goal is steady, slow growth rather than speed 🌿 Vegetables you can sow in January under cover Not all vegetables are suitable for January sowing, but a few reliable crops do very well when started early. Onions (from seed) Onions need a long growing season and benefit greatly from an early start. sow thinly in trays or modules keep cool but frost-free transplant outdoors in spring Leeks Leeks are slow to mature and ideal for winter sowing. sow in small pots or trays grow on gradually hardy once established Cabbage (early varieties) Early cabbages can be started now under cover. choose spring or summer varieties avoid overcrowding seedlings harden off carefully before planting out Spinach Spinach prefers cool temperatures and is well suited to protected winter sowing. sow sparingly to avoid damping off keep compost just moist transplant or harvest young leaves Broad beans (in pots) Broad beans started under cover often produce earlier crops. sow one seed per pot keep in a cool greenhouse or cold frame plant out once conditions improve Flowers you can sow in January under cover Some flowers benefit from a long growing season and reward early sowing with stronger plants and earlier blooms 🌸 Sweet peas A classic January favourite. sow in deep pots or root trainers keep cool to prevent leggy growth pinch out tips once established Antirrhinums (snapdragons) These need time to develop before flowering. sow on the surface of compost provide plenty of light grow slowly until spring Geraniums (pelargoniums) Geraniums take time but flower beautifully from early summer. sow under warmth and light be patient with germination pot on carefully Lobelia A fine, delicate flower that benefits from early sowing. sow thinly and do not cover seeds mist gently transplant once large enough to handle Herbs you can start under cover in January Some herbs are slow growers and appreciate early indoor sowing. parsley chives coriander (in cooler conditions) These will grow slowly now but strengthen as light levels improve. Tips for successful January sowing January sowing requires patience more than anything else. use clean pots and fresh compost avoid overwatering provide as much light as possible keep seedlings cool but frost-free label everything clearly Remember: slow growth now is a good thing 🌱 A gentle beginning to the growing year Sowing seeds in January under cover is less about quantity and more about intention. A few carefully chosen crops, nurtured slowly, can make the rest of the season calmer and more rewarding. The garden may look asleep — but beneath the surface, the year has already begun.

January may feel quiet in the garden, but behind the scenes it’s one of the most important months of the gardening year. While frost lingers and daylight is short, this is the perfect time to prepare for early seed sowing and set the foundations for a thriving spring. If you garden in the UK, January is all about planning, prepping, and gentle beginnings. 🌱 Why January Matters for UK Gardeners Although outdoor sowing is limited, January gives you a head start that pays off later. Why prepare now? 🌼 Earlier flowers and harvests 🌿 Healthier, stronger seedlings 📅 Less springtime stress 🛒 Better choice of seed varieties before they sell out Searches for “what to plant in January UK” rise every year — and smart gardeners know preparation is key. 🌿 What Seeds Can You Sow in January in the UK? 🌱 Seeds to Sow Indoors or Under Cover With warmth and light, some seeds are happy to start early. Vegetables: Chillies Peppers Aubergines Early tomatoes (with heat) Flowers: Sweet peas (especially for stronger roots) Begonias Lobelia Geraniums (pelargoniums) Top tip:Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill for reliable germination. ❄ Seeds That Benefit from Cold Conditions Some seeds actually need winter chills to germinate well. Cold-tolerant seeds: Hardy perennials Wildflowers Verbena bonariensis Aquilegia This process, called cold stratification, mimics nature and improves success rates. 🧰 Preparing for Early Seed Sowing January is ideal for getting organised before sowing begins. 🪴 Clean & Reuse Seed Trays Wash old pots with warm water Reuse yoghurt pots (add drainage holes) Choose biodegradable pots where possible This supports zero-waste gardening ♻ 🌱 Refresh Your Compost Use fresh, peat-free seed compost for: Better drainage Fewer pests Healthier seedlings Avoid old compost — it often lacks nutrients and structure. 💡 Check Your Light Levels January light is weak in the UK. To prevent leggy seedlings: Use bright windowsills Rotate trays daily Consider grow lights for early sowings 🗂 Plan Your Seed Sowing Calendar Before sowing, take time to plan. Ask yourself: What grew well last year? What do I want more of? Do I have space to start seeds indoors? Create a simple month-by-month sowing list so you know exactly when to start each variety. 🌸 Flowers First: Early Starts for Better Blooms Starting flowers early means: Earlier blooms Longer flowering season Stronger plants overall January flower favourites: Sweet peas Antirrhinums Verbena Perennial wildflowers Perfect for cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly planting 🐝 🥕 Vegetables Worth the Early Effort While most veg wait until spring, some reward early starters. Best early veg seeds: Chillies & peppers Salad leaves (indoors) Microgreens Early tomatoes (with warmth) ♻ Sustainable January Gardening Tips Save leftover seeds in airtight containers Label everything clearly Swap seeds with friends or neighbours Choose open-pollinated varieties for seed saving later January is a great time to garden thoughtfully and sustainably. 📋 January Gardening Checklist ✔ Check seed stock & expiry dates✔ Clean pots and trays✔ Order seeds early✔ Prepare compost✔ Set up indoor growing space✔ Plan sowing dates 🌱 January Is Where the Story Begins Every successful garden starts long before the first leaf appears. January is about intention, patience, and possibility — the quiet start to a season full of life. Take time now, and your future garden will thank you. 🌼 Ready to Start Sowing? Explore our carefully selected UK-friendly seeds, perfect for early sowing and year-round growing. 👉 Shop our Sweet Pea, Chilli & Early Flower seeds today.