January Growing Guide: Gardening in 2025

by Josie Morris January 9, 2025

As the New Year begins, January offers a fresh start for gardeners looking to prepare for the growing season ahead. The cold weather might limit what can be done outdoors but there are plenty of ways to stay productive and set your garden up for success, using Hortiwool. From sowing early crops to maintaining your garden’s health, January is also all about planning and preparation. Let’s explore the essential tasks and planting opportunities for UK gardeners this month.

Top Garden Jobs for January

Tidy Up and Plan: January is the perfect time to clear out dead foliage and debris from your garden beds. This not only keeps your space looking tidy but also prevents pests and diseases from taking hold. Use this quieter month to sketch out your garden plan for the year, considering crop rotations, companion planting, and areas to improve.

Maintain Tools and Equipment: Clean, sharpen, and repair your tools to ensure they’re ready for the busy months ahead. Well-maintained tools make gardening safer and more efficient.

Check and Protect Plants: Inspect overwintering plants and ensure they are protected from frost. Use Hortiwool Garden Pads to insulate roots and shield plants from harsh conditions.

Vegetables to Sow Indoors in January

Outdoor sowing can be limited, however there are plenty of vegetables you can start indoors this month to give them a head start.

Chillies and Peppers (Apache, Hungarian Hot Wax) Tips: Sow seeds in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill. These heat-loving plants need an early start for a longer growing season.

Tomatoes (Gardener’s Delight, Moneymaker) Tips: Sow seeds in seed trays and keep them in a warm spot. Transplant to pots as seedlings grow stronger.

Salad Leaves (Mixed Leaves, Rocket) Tips: Use pots or trays to grow fresh salad indoors. Sow seeds in a sunny area for quick growth.

microgreen seeds splitting and germinating in sheeps wool as the growing medium

Herbs to Grow in January

Growing herbs indoors is a great way to keep fresh flavours at your fingertips during winter.

Basil Tips: Sow seeds in small pots with good drainage. Place in a warm spot with plenty of light.

Parsley Tips: Start seeds indoors in January for early spring growth. Keep the soil moist and provide ample light.

Flowers to Sow and Plan for January

January is ideal for starting certain flowers indoors and planning your garden’s spring display.

Sweet Peas Tips: Sow seeds in pots and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Sweet peas will reward you with fragrant blooms come spring.

Begonias Tips: Begin planting begonia tubers in January for a stunning summer display. Place in trays of moist compost and keep in a warm, bright area. Using Hortiwool as capilalry matting beneath the tray can help to keep compost moist for longer.

January Gardening Tips

Plan for the Year Ahead: Order seeds, review last year’s successes, and set goals for your garden in 2025.

Feed the Birds: Place feeders in your garden to support wildlife through the colder months, and leave out Hortiwool for animals to use as nesting material.

Compost Maintenance: Turn your compost pile and add materials to keep it active through winter.

Prepare for Gardening in 2025 with Hortiwool

While January may seem like a quiet month, it’s an excellent time to lay the foundation for a productive and rewarding year. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors using Hortiwool as a growing medium, caring for overwintering plants, or simply dreaming up new ideas, every step brings you closer to your garden goals.

Start your year right with Hortiwool Garden Pads—essential for protecting your plants and ensuring healthy growth. Shop Hortiwool now and enjoy gardening in 2025 with the perfect companion for your green thumb.