January in the vegetable garden

January is usually the quietest month in the vegetable garden. Cold weather slows growth and the soil can be frozen. Still, the gardener remains active by harvesting, protecting crops, maintaining tools and preparing for the coming season.

🌱 Possible sowings and preparations

Sowing is limited in January:

• Under greenhouse, cold frame or protection, hardy crops such as lamb’s lettuce, winter spinach and cress can be sown if light levels are sufficient.

• This is the perfect time to check seed stocks and test germination.

Avoid sowing in cold, wet soil outdoors.

🌱 Planting

Planting is minimal in January but still possible in good conditions:

• Garlic can be planted as a last opportunity, preferably on raised beds.

• Jerusalem artichokes can still be planted if not done earlier.

Never work the soil when it is frozen or waterlogged.

🥒 Winter harvest

Even in mid-winter, harvesting continues:

• Cabbages: kale, Brussels sprouts, winter cabbages.

• Root vegetables: leeks, parsnips, swedes, Jerusalem artichokes.

• Winter greens: lamb’s lettuce, spinach, parsley.

• Chicory grown under cover or indoors.

Harvest preferably during frost-free periods.

🍂 Maintenance and winter care

• Mulching to protect soil and roots.

• Frost protection using fleece or tunnels.

• Ventilation of greenhouses when weather allows.

• Tool maintenance and repairs.

• Compost monitoring.

🍂 Preparing the next season

• Crop planning and rotation.

• Selecting open-pollinated varieties.

• Preparing seed orders.

• Organising garden layout.

✅ In summary

In January, the vegetable garden slows down but remains alive:

• 🌱 Limited sowings under cover

• 🥒 Continued winter harvest

• 🍂 Protection and maintenance

• 🍂 Active preparation for spring

A quiet yet essential month for a productive garden.