Veg Addict Subscription – January

HELLO VEG ADDICT

Welcome to your guide for your January seed subscription!

Here’s what’s in your box this month:

• Dwarf Broad Bean Oscar
• Pomegranate – Edible Tree
• Celery Utah
• Plantain Purple Perversion
• Chilli Pepper Chocolate Habanero

Dwarf Broad Bean Oscar

Sowing info

Direct sow broad bean seed in place from January to April if you have no problem with mice and pigeons for a spring crop. Alternatively, sow in module trays and plant out when 10cm tall. Sow broad beans at a depth of 5cm, giving each plant at least 20cm space apart. Germination usually takes around 10 days.

Growing info

This variety does not require support unlike other broad beans.

→  Blog – How to Sow and Grow Beans

Pomegranate – Edible Tree

Sowing info

Sow 1cm deep in moist peat-free compost in individual pots. Keep at room temperature of upwards of 20C until after germination which usually takes 30-40 days, so be patient! Transplant seedlings into larger pots when large enough to handle, taking care not to damage the fragile roots.

Growing info

Feed and water regularly throughout the growing season. Grow Pomegranate plants in full sun. For the best harvest, choose a position in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Hand pollination may also help.

→ Blog – How to Sow and Grow Pomegranates

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

Plantain Purple Perversion

Sowing info

Seed performs best after a month in the fridge. Surface sow onto moist peat free compost and barely cover. Does not need heat to germinate.

Growing info

Plant out after risk of frost has passed. Once established, plants are frost hardy and require little care.

→ Blog – How to Sow and Grow Plantain

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 end of January 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 Chillis

Garden Jobs for January

• Protect Plants from Frost: If you live in a cold climate, continue to protect vulnerable plants from frost. This can include covering them with fleece, using mulch to insulate the roots, or moving potted plants to a sheltered area
• Plan and Prepare for Spring Planting: January is a great time to research and plan your garden for the upcoming season. Order seeds, decide on plant varieties, and prepare your garden layout. You can also start organizing your tools and ensuring they’re ready for use when the weather improves.
• Prune Dormant Plants and Trees: If the weather is mild, prune any deciduous trees and shrubs while they are still dormant. This helps encourage healthy growth in the spring. Be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches.