Strategies for Starting Seeds Prematurely
As the new year begins, gardeners can start preparing for an early bloom by sowing seeds for a variety of plants. This article provides a detailed guide on what to sow in January, depending on whether you're starting seeds indoors or direct sowing outdoors.
For those aiming for early flowering plants like coreopsis, coleus, and sweet peas, starting seeds indoors in January is ideal. Coleus seeds should be sown from January to April, with transplanting taking place from March to mid-June. These vibrant plants bloom from July to November and thrive in part sun or shade [1]. Coreopsis seeds, on the other hand, should be sown from January to March for transplanting in the spring. They bloom in about 30-60 days with flowers appearing from April to September, making them great for cut flowers [1]. Sweet peas require sowing indoors late January to early March in colder climates. They prefer cool temperatures for germination (50-55°F) and flowering (45-68°F) [3].
Peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes can also be started indoors in January or later, with transplanting taking place when the soil warms. However, these plants require more time before they can be transplanted [2][5].
For those who prefer direct sowing, cold-hardy root crops or early crops can be sown outdoors in January if soil conditions allow. Carrots, parsnips, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, and peas are all suitable for direct sowing as they don't transplant well and can survive cooler soil [2]. Peas can be direct sown 4 weeks before the last frost; for some climates, January sowing may work if the frost risk is low [4].
In general, starting seeds indoors in January is beneficial for early flowering plants, while direct sowing outdoors can be successful for early cropping root vegetables and hardy greens.
To ensure the best results, new packets of seeds should be used, as they germinate fastest. Heated propagators, available in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges, can help keep heat in and save energy. Some models even allow temperature adjustment [6]. A seed box can help keep seeds organized, and a round-up of the best seed boxes is available [7].
Using a growing lamp can help ensure seedlings grow strong and healthy, especially during low light levels early in the year [8]. Water seeds carefully using a rose-tipped watering can or a spray gun attached to a hose pipe [9]. Guides for the best watering cans and spray guns are available [10][11]. Transplanting seedlings with a pencil or dibber can help avoid damaging them [12]. A round-up of the best dibbers for seed sowing is available [13].
Prompt transplanting can help prevent damping off, a fungal disease that can affect seedlings, causing them to topple over and die, especially when affected at roots and bases of stems [14]. To create a custom growing medium, consider adding vermiculite, perlite, and/or silver sand or fine grit [15]. Seeds germinate best between 18°C - 22°C, which is not usually achievable early in the year indoors. However, seedlings should be transplanted promptly once they have their first pair of true leaves [16].
Making your own compost is an option, and a guide for choosing the best compost bin is available [17]. Use a new bag of compost for best results. Grow lamps can be purchased from Two Wests & Elliot [18]. Sowing seeds early in the year can result in plants flowering or cropping earlier than usual [19]. Using a heated propagator can provide a consistent temperature throughout the day and night, increasing chances of germination without heating the whole room [20].
A potting bench is ideal for mixing your own growing medium, and a guide for the best potting benches and trays is available [21]. Finally, it's important to be aware of damping off, a fungal disease that can affect seedlings, causing them to topple over and die, especially when affected at roots and bases of stems [22]. A guide to the best heated propagators is available, offering perfect growing conditions for seedlings [23].
References: 1. [RHS - Coleus](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/57377/Coleus-scutellarioides) 2. [RHS - Sowing seeds outdoors](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=415) 3. [RHS - Sweet Pea](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/24734/Sweet-pea) 4. [RHS - Peas](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=461) 5. [RHS - Peppers, Eggplants, Tomatoes](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=463) 6. [Gardeners' World - Heated Propagators](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/heated_propagators) 7. [Gardeners' World - Seed Boxes](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/seeds_boxes) 8. [Gardeners' World - Growing Lamps](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/growing_lamps) 9. [Gardeners' World - Watering Cans](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/watering_cans) 10. [Gardeners' World - Spray Guns](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/spray_guns) 11. [Gardeners' World - Best Watering Cans](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/best_watering_cans) 12. [Gardeners' World - Dibbers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/dibbers) 13. [Gardeners' World - Best Dibbers for Seed Sowing](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/best_dibbers_for_seed_sowing) 14. [RHS - Damping Off](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1584) 15. [RHS - Potting Mixes](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1252) 16. [RHS - Transplanting Seedlings](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=467) 17. [RHS - Compost Bins](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1566) 18. [Two Wests & Elliot - Grow Lamps](https://www.twowestsandelliot.co.uk/grow-lights.html) 19. [RHS - Sowing Seeds Early](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1423) 20. [Gardeners' World - Heated Propagators](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/heated_propagators) 21. [Gardeners' World - Potting Benches](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/potting_benches) 22. [RHS - Damping Off](https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1584) 23. [Gardeners' World - Best Heated Propagators](https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/propagate/best_heated_propagators)
To achieve an early bloom, consider starting seedlings for plants like sweet peas indoors in late January to early March, especially in colder climates. Meanwhile, for home-and-garden enthusiasts who prefer direct sowing, carrots, parsnips, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, and peas can be directly sown outdoors in January if soil conditions allow. This diversity in garden practices will help create a vibrant home-and-garden lifestyle, with blooming plants and early vegetables in the spring.
