What can I plant in January?
(UK Gardening Guide)
January is the ideal time to plan your garden for the year ahead. While growth is slow, there are still vegetables to sow under cover, fruit trees to care for and simple tasks that will make a big difference in spring.
What can you sow in January?
January is a quieter month in the garden but there are still some opportunities to get a head start on the growing season.
Most sowings need to be indoors or under cover, and outdoor sowings are limited to the hardiest crops if the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
Planning now will make the rest of the year easier.
Vegetables to sow indoors
Onions (seed)- Leeks (seed)
- Early tomatoes (requires warmth and light)
- Chillies and peppers (requires heated propagator)
Vegetables to sow outdoors
- Broad beans (under cloche or fleece)
- Garlic cloves (in well-drained soil)
Tip: Make sure indoor seedlings have enough light and warmth. Protect outdoor sowings with fleece or cold frames if frost is expected.
Sproutly Gardening tip: Add these January sowings to your Sproutly garden to track growth, set reminders and plan upcoming tasks easily.
January gardening tips and common mistakes
Even though January is a quiet month, small mistakes can affect the whole growing season. Being aware of these common pitfalls helps you plan wisely and keep your garden on track.
- Sowing too early without enough light or warmth
Seedlings grown in dark conditions will be weak and slow to develop. Use a heated propagator or grow lights where possible. - Working the soil when it is frozen or waterlogged
Digging or planting in poor conditions can damage soil structure and harm plants. Wait for the soil to be workable. - Neglecting winter protection for crops
Frost and cold winds can harm tender plants. Use fleece, cloches or cold frames to shield crops where needed. - Overwatering dormant plants
Plants grow slowly in winter and do not need as much water. Check moisture before watering. - Forgetting to plan ahead
January is a great month for preparation. Not planning sowings or garden tasks can create a rush in spring.
Sproutly Gardening tip: Use Sproutly Gardening to track your tasks, set reminders and avoid common mistakes. Recording what you do now ensures a smoother growing season.
Garden planning and task management features
Sproutly Gardening helps you organise your plants, plan tasks and set reminders so nothing is forgotten.
Record your sowings
Track which vegetables you have started indoors or under cover.
Plan upcoming jobs
Schedule soil preparation, tool maintenance and pruning.
Set reminders
Never forget to check seedlings, protect crops or water indoor plants.
Review your progress
Keep notes on what worked well and what you want to change next year.
Start the year organised and confident. Add your January plants to Sproutly Gardening today and make sure nothing is missed.
Gardening advice is provided as a general guide based on typical UK conditions. Weather soil and local climate can vary so always use your judgement and adjust timing as needed for your own garden.