What to Grow in January: Gardening in January with Hortiwool

by Josie Morris January 2, 2026

January may feel like the quietest month in the gardening calendar, but there is still plenty that can be done to get the year off to a strong start. While much of the garden is resting, gardening in January is all about preparation, protection, and a little early sowing. With the right approach and the help of natural materials such as Hortiwool Garden Pads, you can begin growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers while setting the foundations for a productive year ahead.

Vegetables to Sow or Grow in January

Most vegetable sowing in January takes place indoors or under cover, where warmth and light can be controlled.

Indoors or in heated greenhouses, you can begin sowing:

Chillies and peppers – These need a long growing season, so January is the perfect time to start them off in seed trays on a sunny windowsill or in a propagator.
Aubergines – Similar to peppers, aubergines benefit from an early start and consistent warmth.
Early tomatoes – If you have a heated greenhouse, sowing tomatoes now can give you a head start.

When sowing indoors, Hortiwool Garden Pads can be used beneath seed trays to provide insulation from cold windowsills, helping to regulate temperature and prevent heat loss. Wool’s natural breathability also helps reduce excess moisture, lowering the risk of damping-off disease.

Under cover or outdoors (weather permitting):

Broad beans – In milder areas, broad beans can be sown outdoors in January. Alternatively, start them in pots under cover for planting out later.
Garlic – If the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, garlic cloves can still be planted outdoors.

Using Hortiwool Garden Pads as a protective mulch around newly planted garlic or broad beans helps insulate the soil, suppress weeds, and retain moisture.

Fruit to Plant or Prepare in January

January is an ideal time for planting bare-root fruit trees and bushes, as they are dormant and establish well before spring.

You can plant:

Apple and pear trees
Plum and cherry trees
Currant bushes (blackcurrants, redcurrants, and whitecurrants)
Gooseberries and raspberries

When planting fruit trees or bushes, placing Hortiwool Garden Pads around the base helps protect young roots from frost, improves moisture retention, and adds slow-release nutrients as the wool naturally breaks down.

Strawberry plants can also be potted up and grown under cover, ready to be planted out once the weather improves.

Flowers to Sow in January

For those keen to add colour to the garden later in the year, January offers the chance to sow several flowers indoors.

Indoors or under cover, try sowing:

Sweet peas – A classic early sowing that benefits from a long growing season.
Geraniums (Pelargoniums)
Begonias
Antirrhinums
Lobelia

Seed trays and pots placed on Hortiwool Garden Pads benefit from the wool’s insulating properties, helping to keep compost warm and roots protected during cold snaps.

Outdoors, little is sown directly in January, but hardy annuals may survive in very mild areas with fleece or wool protection.

How Hortiwool Garden Pads Support Gardening in January

Winter gardening is all about protection and preparation, and Hortiwool Garden Pads are particularly valuable at this time of year. Made from natural wool, they:

Insulate soil and roots against frost.
Retain moisture while remaining breathable.
Suppress weeds naturally.
Improve soil health as they slowly compost.

Whether lining pots, insulating raised beds, or protecting newly planted fruit trees, using wool in the garden is a sustainable and effective way to support plant growth throughout winter.

Other Essential Gardening Jobs in January

In addition to sowing and planting, there are plenty of other tasks that help create the perfect garden later in the year.

Pruning
January is ideal for pruning dormant fruit trees such as apples and pears, as well as currant bushes and gooseberries. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth.

Soil preparation
If conditions allow, improve soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. Covering bare soil with Hortiwool Garden Pads helps protect it from erosion, heavy rain, and nutrient loss.

Tool maintenance
Clean, sharpen, and oil tools while the garden is quiet. Well-maintained tools make spring jobs easier and more efficient.

Garden planning
Use January to plan crop rotation, order seeds, and decide where new plants will go. Good planning is a key part of successful gardening in January.

Wildlife care
Keep bird feeders topped up and ensure water sources aren’t frozen. A wildlife-friendly garden supports pollinators and pest control later in the year.

Although January may seem slow, it is a valuable month for gardeners willing to get ahead. With thoughtful planning, early sowing, and the natural benefits of Hortiwool Garden Pads, you can protect your garden through winter and prepare for a healthy, productive growing season.