January Garden Calendar
- Tom Arild Rysjedal
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Planning, sowing and winter care. January may feel like a bit of a bore, garden-wise. But this is a great time for preparation, and a head start for the growing season. And for breathing in cold, clean air while taking a breather around the fire pit. Make the most of the January garden!
PLAN AND DAYDREAM
Early winter is the perfect time to plan your garden. Browse magazines, books, or online inspiration and think about what you want your outdoor space to be.
Do you dream of a peaceful spot to relax, an open lawn for children to play, or perhaps a greenhouse for growing vegetables? Maybe you prefer low-maintenance plants and simple solutions. Sketch out your garden, use your imagination, and plan how each area will be used. A good plan now makes spring work easier. And much more enjoyable.
START INDOOR SOWING
January is the season for early sowing. Some plants need a long growing period before summer and should be started indoors.
Vegetables to sow now include:
Chili and peppers
Celery root and stalk celery
Leeks
Artichokes
Lettuce
Basil
Among flowers, pelargoniums benefit from an early start and can be sown in January or February.
Use pots indoors and make sure seedlings get enough light. Winter daylight is limited, so a grow light might be needed to avoid those weak, leggy plants.
SUPPORT TREES AND SHRUBS
Heavy snow can weigh down branches, causing them to break or lose their shape. Gently brush or shake snow off trees and shrubs using your hands or a spade. If you want to be really prepared, tie branches together with rope before heavy snowfall to help prevent damage.
PREPARE FOR THE GROWING SEASON
It might feel like spring is far away, but once the garden wakes up, everything happens quickly. Be prepared.
Check your seed packets, make notes of what you need to buy, and make sure you have enough pots and equipment ready. Remember, if some seeds are past their date, you don’t necessarily have to throw them in the garbage. Test their viability by placing them on a damp paper towel, covering them with plastic, and keeping them warm. Count how many sprout and adjust how densely you sow.
TIDY THE GREENHOUSE OR SHED
January’s slower pace makes it a great time to organize. Clean out the greenhouse or tool shed, throw away broken items, donate what you no longer need, and create order before the busy months begin.
GIVE THE SMALL BIRDS SOME LOVE
Always nice to do: feed small birds throughout winter. Ready-made bird feed is easy to find, but why not make your own? It’s a cosy activity to do together with children.
ENJOY THE NEW YEAR OUTDOORS
Finally, remember to enjoy the season. Light a fire pit, read inspiring garden books, plan your harvest, and take a walk around your garden. Winter is part of the cycle too. A time to reflect, prepare, and look forward.
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