JANUARY – first seeds sown and appearing in Kitchen Garden Magazine

January, the only month where you can really truly relax because realistically there isn’t much at all to do in the garden or on the plot 😅

I’m making the most of this slower month to plan, dream, stay cosy and drink many, many cups of tea.

We’ve been on lots of lovely, wintery walks but I’ve only been to the plot twice this month! I still have my greenhouses to clear (only cleared 1 so far) and there’s lots of general tidying to do on the plot but we still have 2 months before that needs to be done. I also have some panes of glass to replace after the storms finally got to the greenhouses. Although I am thankful it’s only a handful of panes as I’ve seen some greenhouses totally ruined sadly.

I’d like to get my potato bed prepped soon. I’ll be collecting lots of well rotted horse manure for that bed and then using a mix of RocketGro and grass clippings over the growing season to mulch.

The seed potatoes have arrived in the garden centre which has got me super excited for choosing varieties and planting come March/April. I’ll be growing my favourite Pink Fir Apple along with Charlottes, Desiree and Picasso plus I’ll choose a few others. 

Week commencing 22nd January I’ve sown my onions and peppers (you could also sow chillies now if growing them). I’ve sown these indoors using RocketGro Seed & Cutting compost then I’ll keep them on a heated windowsill propagator. To say I’m excited is an understatement! Those first sowings of the year are just wonderful 🌱

You can find the windowsill propagator I use by clicking here and if your looking for seeds at the same time then use discount code STEPHA10 for 10% off your order.

I’ve mulched all the garden beds and they’re looking ready for the spring. There’s already lots of life appearing in the garden. Bulbs are popping through and there’s new growth on the shrubs. It’s exciting knowing we’re heading towards better days and (hopefully) sunshine! ☀️ 

And to end January on a real high the latest edition of Kitchen Garden Magazine was released on the 25th AND I’M IN IT!!! Ahhh! I’m so proud and so chuffed, a real pinch me moment! I’m featuring as February’s ‘Blogger of the Month’ and I have a whole 3 page spread! Would love to know if you’ve seen it.