January Garden Planning: What to Start and Grow

January is a great time to start planning and growing in your garden. With the increasing warmth and sunlight hours, there are many things you can do to make the most of the winter season. In this blog, we will explore the plants you can grow from hardwood cuttings, the seeds you can start indoors, and the micro greens and sprouts you can continue growing throughout the winter.

Growing from Hardwood Cuttings

In January, you can start growing plants from hardwood cuttings. Grapes, raspberries, and blackberries are some of the plants you can grow from cuttings. To do this, simply peel off the bottom one inch of the stem and plant it directly into a pot of potting soil. In about a month or two, the cuttings will start to root.

Starting Seeds Indoors

January is also the perfect time to start bringing your seeds indoors. Kale, peas, Swiss chard, collard greens, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage are some of the plants you can start seedlings of indoors. Keep in mind that these plants are susceptible to pests and may not be the best choice for a beginner gardener. For the best germination rate, seeds need warmth, light, and humidity. Place your trays next to a window or use grow lights, keep the trays watered, and use a clear dome or spinach container to create humidity for the seeds to germinate.

Micro Greens and Sprouts

In addition to starting seeds and growing plants from cuttings, you can also continue growing micro greens and sprouts throughout the winter. By providing the right conditions for warmth, light, and humidity, you can achieve a high germination rate for your seeds. Use a ball planter to transfer the seeds to your garden and continue growing micro greens and sprouts in a spinach container for added humidity.

If you live in zone 8 and above, you can directly sow root vegetables like carrots, turnips, beets, and radishes directly into your garden. These crops will start growing as soon as you sow the seeds.

Root Vegetables

Here's a unique trick for starting root vegetables like carrots. First, cover the bed with a layer of coconut coir, which is a type of coconut fiber. This material absorbs moisture very well and helps keep the seeds from drying out too quickly. Make a shallow trench in the coir, plant the seeds, and then cover them with more coir. Water the bed thoroughly, then place a piece of cardboard on top and weigh it down with bricks. Keep the cardboard in place for at least two days to help maintain the moisture and humidity levels. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper.

If you live in zone 7 or below, you'll need to wait until the ground is free of snow and the soil is no longer frozen. You can then clear an area in your garden or use a hoop house or cold frame to grow your root vegetables. However, it's important to remember to grow the right crops at the right time of year. There are some vegetables that are very hardy and can be grown in the winter, such as garlic. Be sure to research what grows well in your area at different times of the year so you can maximize your success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, January is a great time to start planning and growing in your garden. With the right conditions, you can grow plants from hardwood cuttings, start seeds indoors, and continue growing micro greens and sprouts throughout the winter. Happy gardening!