The beginning of the year is a time of great activity in the garden, because it is precisely now when we can plant many vegetables that will allow us to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet. You have doubts? Don't worry, because we'll see what to grow in January.
The cold is the ideal time to add seeds to our garden that within a few weeks will have become products as tasty as carrots, peas or onions, among others.
Prepare the garden to grow in January
We are going to start the year on the right foot and, to do so, we first have to prepare our garden for the cold weeks that are yet to come:
- Clean and prepare the floor. Remove any plant residue that may be on the soil, such as the remains of previous crops. Then, stir the soil to aerate it and improve its structure, and it wouldn't hurt to add a little compost to add organic nutrients.
- Plan the garden. Before starting to plant, spend a little time choosing carefully the varieties you are going to grow. If you have already planted in the garden before, consider doing a crop rotation to help make the soil healthier and prevent possible diseases in your new plants.
- Plant winter crops. To get good results, you have to choose varieties that can be planted at this time of year. Therefore, then we will see what you can plant in January.
- Apply protection against frost. Protect your new crops against the cold. Put a layer of mulching on the substrate or, if you already have plants, cover them with an anti-frost fabric so that the cold does not kill them.
- Add organic fertilizer. Well-rotted manure, or compost, is a great way to provide nutrients to future plants.
- Establish a watering schedule. Although you water less in winter than in warmer seasons, make sure that the varieties you plant will receive the water they need. Remember that the cold can cause dehydration.
9 ideas when it comes to what to plant in January
If you have doubts about what to plant at this time of year, take good note of the varieties we recommend:
Carrots
The carrot is a vegetable with common presence in many dishes of the Mediterranean diet and, therefore, there is nothing better than tasting carrots grown in your own home.
As they are plants that are very resistant to cold, You can plant them directly in the ground. In spaced rows, and ensuring that the substrate is loose, so that the roots can develop well.
If you keep the soil evenly moist, the seeds germinate within 14 to 21 days. Although in the harshest time of winter it may take a little longer due to the cold.
Eggplants
Eggplant is a common autumn and winter crop. However, the seeds are somewhat sensitive to cold, so it is advisable to plant them indoors or have them in a greenhouse. Once the Seedlings are about 15 centimeters high and can be placed in the garden.
If you already have your seedlings ready you can plant them now in January. Otherwise, take the opportunity to put some seeds in a place where they do not receive too much cold and you will have the seedlings ready for transplanting in a few weeks.
Green peas
Even in the middle of January you can plant peas directly in the ground in your garden, although you can also resort to growing them in containers to give them a little more protection from the cold.
To grow, they need good drainage and regular watering, and It's not bad for them to receive a little balanced fertilizer.
If the temperature ranges between 10º and 20º C, seed germination occurs within seven to 14 days.
Radishes
A classic when it comes to what to grow in January, because they are very resistant to the cold and their seeds They can germinate in just a week if the winter weather is not too extreme.
Our recommendation is that you put the radishes directly on the ground. In spaced rows that allow adequate growth, and keep the soil moist.
Onion
Although onion is a vegetable that prefers mild climates (germinates at about 15-25º C), Now is a good time to sow some seeds in a pot, Put that pot in a safe place, and transplant the seedling within a few weeks.
However, if you live in a region that has a warm climate, you may consider planting the seeds directly in the ground in this first month of the year. But make sure the plants are going to receive a good amount of sunlight.
Endive and lettuce
They are the queens of salads and they are consumed so much that it doesn't hurt to plant them in your garden to always have them on hand. To enjoy them in spring, Now is a good time to plant the seeds indoors or in a greenhouse.
As temperatures continue to remain above 10º C, You can move the seedlings outside.
For best results, water regularly and make sure the soil offers them a good amount of organic matter from which to draw nutrients.
Celery and leek
Something similar happens with celery and leek to what happens with endive and lettuce. That in this cold season it is better than let's keep the seeds planted in a place where they do not get too cold.
As the end of winter approaches, then we can take the seedlings outside and place them in a place where they receive direct sunlight in the case of leek, and a little partial shade for celery if we are in a place with a warm climate.
You now know what to grow in January to enjoy lovingly grown and completely homemade vegetables in just a few weeks. Keep in mind that the guidelines we have seen are general, and that the results may vary depending on the climate of the place where you are.