While January might seem an unlikely month for gardening activity, one expert insists it's the perfect time to begin sowing for impressive results later in the year. According to a horticulture specialist, starting certain plants now leads to more robust specimens that flower more prolifically.
Why January Sowing Pays Dividends
Josh Novell, gardening expert and director at Polhill Garden Centre in Kent, explains that January sowing provides plants with a crucial head start. "January might not immediately suggest gardening to most people," Novell acknowledges. "You're planting into cold compost and bare pots, rather than colourful borders. However, if you desire something flowering or ready to gift by March, this is precisely when the process begins."
This approach aligns with the growing trend towards more mindful, slow gifting for occasions like Mother's Day. Instead of opting for plastic-wrapped supermarket flowers with limited longevity, living gifts that demonstrate months of careful planning offer greater meaning. With Mothering Sunday falling on March 15th this year, now represents the ideal window to sow and nurture plants requiring substantial development time before blooming.
Four Ideal Plants for January Sowing
Novell has identified four categories of plants particularly suited to January sowing, each offering distinct advantages for gardeners seeking early starts.
Sweet Peas: The Classic Favourite
Sweet peas remain a firm favourite for gift-giving, and January represents the optimal sowing period. Novell recommends keeping them in a bright, frost-free location. "Initiating sowing now ultimately produces stronger plants that flower more effectively and maintain their blooms for longer durations," he explains.
For best results, he suggests beginning in individual pots or deep root trainers to minimise future complications. "By Mother's Day, you'll have developed healthy young plants that feel substantial and properly cared for," Novell adds.
Hardy Annuals: Resilient Bloomers
Hardy annual blooms such as calendula, nigella, and cornflowers also serve as prime candidates for January sowing indoors. "These plants cope exceptionally well with cooler conditions," Novell clarifies. "Sowing them now provides that essential head start, ensuring they're prepared to grow vigorously as soon as light levels increase."
Similar to sweet peas, early sowing of hardy annuals typically yields earlier blooms and more robust plants. "They avoid that soft, leggy growth sometimes observed with late sowings," Novell notes. "They become tougher, more resilient, and better adapted to outdoor life."
Herbs: The Gift That Keeps Giving
Herbs represent particularly thoughtful gifts that continue providing long after presentation. "There's something special about gifting someone a plant they'll incorporate into daily cooking," Novell observes. Parsley, chives, and basil can all be started indoors during January on a sunny windowsill.
"They're straightforward to grow from seed and remarkably forgiving, making them perfect for gardening novices," he assures. By March, these herbs can be potted up and presented as living gifts with practical applications.
Summer Plants: Getting Ahead
Even varieties typically associated with warmer months can benefit significantly from a January commencement. "Dahlias serve as an excellent example," Novell illustrates. "Starting them in pots now won't produce flowers by Mother's Day, but it establishes a strong foundation that prepares them for the coming months."
By Mother's Day, these plants will display sturdy stems and healthy leaves above the soil. "This often proves more meaningful than cut flowers," Novell reflects, "as it demonstrates the thought and time invested in the gift. It provides your mother with something she can nurture and enjoy as it grows and blooms through spring into summer."
This expert guidance transforms January from a dormant gardening month into a period of productive preparation, ensuring gardeners achieve stronger plants with superior flowering performance through strategic early sowing.
