As the frost settles over gardens in early January, gardening enthusiasts are being encouraged to begin sowing seeds for key vegetables in preparation for a successful growing season. Garden expert Benedict Vanheems has identified six essential vegetables that can be planted now to ensure a fruitful harvest in 2026.
In a recent video on his GrowVeg YouTube channel, Vanheems emphasizes the importance of starting with onions. While many gardeners opt for “sets,” or small bulbs, he advocates for starting from seed to reduce the risk of bolting, which occurs when plants flower prematurely. He notes, “Also, growing from seeds is a little bit cheaper.”
Vanheems suggests planting onions in seed trays, ensuring the trays are free of pests. After filling the trays with all-purpose compost, he recommends adding a layer of sieved compost to provide seedlings with a strong start. “You can sow onions at any time from mid-winter to early spring,” he states, adding that an early start can lead to a slightly earlier harvest, allowing for follow-on crops later in the year.
Once the seeds are sown, they should be covered lightly with compost and watered gently. Vanheems recommends using a spray mister or a fine rose watering can. To facilitate germination during the cold weeks of January, he advises bringing the seedlings indoors for warmth.
Chilli peppers also benefit from early sowing, but they require even warmer conditions. Vanheems explains, “Chili peppers like it nice and warm at all stages of their life,” with an ideal temperature for germination around 24 degrees Celsius (about 75 degrees Fahrenheit). He suggests ensuring pots are well-drained, using coir or coconut fibre, and possibly incorporating Perlite for moisture management. A mini-propagator or a simple clear plastic bag secured with an elastic band can help maintain humidity levels.
For those without specialized equipment, placing seedlings near a warm location, such as a sunny windowsill, can also be effective. As daylight hours are short in January, investing in grow lights can provide the necessary light for around 12 hours a day. If grow lights aren’t available, Vanheems recommends waiting a month to plant seeds, especially for those in northern regions.
Another excellent choice for early sowing is cauliflower. Similar to onions, these seeds can be planted using the same techniques. Vanheems notes that cauliflowers, like other members of the cabbage family, do not require much heat to germinate. Bringing them indoors until shoots appear can enhance their development.
Cabbages and leeks are also suitable for planting at this time. For a budget-friendly alternative to a greenhouse, Vanheems suggests using an everyday milk jug. After puncturing holes for drainage and cutting the jug halfway, it can be sealed with duct tape to create a protective environment for seedlings.
Garlic is another crop that can be successfully planted in mid-January. While ideally, seeds should have been started before Christmas, Vanheems reassures that it’s still a good time to plant. “If I’m honest I’m a little bit behind with my garlic,” he admits. “But mid-winter is a really good time as well, because much of the cold period is still to come, and garlic does need a chilling spell.”
Vanheems highlights the forgiving nature of winter sowing, stating, “These seeds will come up in their own time, when they’re good and ready.” Whether it takes a week or several weeks, gardeners can trust that their seeds will germinate when conditions are right.
With these insights and techniques, gardeners can seize the opportunity to prepare their vegetable gardens for a productive growing season ahead. By starting now, they can enhance their chances for a bountiful harvest in the coming months.
