As January begins, many gardeners in the United Kingdom are facing frost and, in some areas, snow. Despite these conditions, gardening expert Benedict Vanheems has advised that now is the ideal time to start sowing seeds for six essential vegetables. According to Vanheems, planting these vegetables can set the stage for a fruitful garden in the upcoming growing season.
On his popular GrowVeg YouTube channel, Vanheems emphasizes the importance of starting onions from seed rather than using sets or small bulbs. He explains that this method reduces the risk of onions “bolting,” which occurs when they flower too early. Additionally, planting seeds is more cost-effective.
Vanheems begins by planting onions in seed trays, ensuring these trays are free from pests that may have accumulated during storage. He recommends filling the trays with all-purpose compost, topped with a light layer of sieved compost to provide optimal conditions for seedling growth. “You can sow onions at any time from mid-winter to early spring,” he notes, adding that an early start often leads to an earlier harvest. This, in turn, allows gardeners to free up space for follow-on crops later in the season.
Once the seeds are sown, they should be lightly covered with compost and watered gently. Vanheems suggests using a spray mister or a watering can with a fine rose to avoid disturbing the seeds. For an extra boost during the cold early weeks of the year, bringing the seedlings indoors can help with germination.
Optimal Conditions for Chilli Peppers and Other Vegetables
In addition to onions, Vanheems highlights the benefits of sowing chilli peppers at this time. However, he advises that these plants require warmer conditions, ideally around 75°F (24°C), for successful germination. For optimal drainage, he recommends adding coir or coconut fibre to the pots.
For those with more limited resources, Vanheems suggests using a mini-propagator with a plastic cover to maintain humidity. If this is unavailable, wrapping a clear plastic bag around the pots can serve as an effective alternative. With January bringing shorter days, he also emphasizes the importance of grow lights to provide seedlings with the necessary 12 hours of daylight for healthy growth.
Cauliflower, along with cabbages and leeks, is another excellent choice for early planting. Vanheems explains that these crops do not require much heat to germinate, but like onions, they benefit from being kept indoors until sprouts emerge.
Garlic is also suitable for planting in January, although Vanheems suggests that ideally, it should have been planted before Christmas. He acknowledges that despite being slightly behind schedule, garlic can still thrive with the right conditions. “The beauty about winter sowing is that it’s not very technical,” he remarks. “These seeds will come up in their own time, when they’re good and ready.”
Vanheems encourages gardeners to embrace the flexibility of winter sowing, reassuring them that nature is forgiving. As gardeners prepare their plots for the upcoming growing season, following these guidelines can lead to a successful harvest in 2026.
