Get growing seed subscription – January ’27

Hello keen grower

Welcome to your January growing guide!

Here’s what’s in your box:

• Celery Utah
• Herb Lemonade Basil
• Chilli Pepper Chocolate Habanero

Celery Utah

Sowing info

Celery is a slow grower so an early start is advisable. Sow from January to March on the surface of moist peat free compost and cover. Keep at a constant temperature of 21-25C until after germination, which takes up to 15 days. Transplant when large enough to handle into trays or individual modules. Grow on steadily in cooler conditions before planting out after all risk of frost has passed, allowing 30cm between plants each way and making sure that the crown of the plant sits at ground level.

Growing info

Celery requires a moist soil at all times to avoid the stems becoming tough. Water celery plants frequently, particularly during hot dry periods. If grown in a block, plants are naturally self blanching.

Blog – How to sow and grow celery

Herb Lemonade Basil

Sowing info

Sow on the surface of damp peat free compost and cover. Keep at 15-25C until after germination, which takes 14-21 days. Water very lightly as seedlings emerge. Grow on in cooler conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, harden plants off before planting out in a sheltered sunny position.Can be grown year round on a sunny windowsill.

Growing info

Water moderately, taking care to avoid splashing the leaves. Harvest basil leaves regularly when required to promote fresh new growth and pinch out any flowers that appear to prolong the harvest period and maintain the flavour. Final height 30cm.

Blog – The Basil Basics

Chilli Pepper Chocolate habanero

Sowing info

An early start can help increase your harvest as pepper plants can be slow to mature. Start under grow lights in January or late February without lights. Requires warmth to germinate and grow on (an unheated greenhouse will not be warm enough). When pepper plants reach about 20cm in height, pinch out the growing tip to encourage bushy growth. From pinching out time, feed weekly with a quarter strength organic feed.

Growing info

Continue to pot on each time roots appear out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot until planting out after last frost. Peppers love heat, so will always perform best in the greenhouse or polytunnel.

Blog – How to sow and grow peppers and chillies

Garden jobs to do this January

• Clean and sharpen your tools. Scrub the mud off spades and forks, sharpen secateurs and give wooden handles a rub of oil, so everything’s ready for the busy months ahead.
• Look after your soil. Spread a layer of compost or mulch over any bare beds. The worms will do the hard work of pulling it in, leaving you with rich, healthy soil come spring.
• Feed the birds. Top up feeders and keep a dish of fresh water out. Hungry garden birds will thank you, and they’ll repay the favour by snapping up pests later in the year.