Happy new year, I hope you've all had a lovely and restful festive period.
January to me always feels like a threshold — not quite winter’s deepest point, but far from spring. The days are slowly lengthening again, almost imperceptibly and the soil is cold and heavy. Beds lie mostly undisturbed, and growth has slowed to a near standstill. It’s a time for observing rather than doing, although there still are a few jobs you can be getting on with.
Right now, very little needs interfering with. Mulch is in place, compost is breaking down, and roots are safely beneath the surface. In North Yorkshire we have been covered in snow, which is actually very beneficial for the garden! Check out my video on this below:
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If you can, leave things a little untidy — hollow stems, fallen leaves, and seed heads provide vital shelter and food for wildlife through the coldest months. Think of how the forest looks throughout winter, nature really does know best. And a gentle reminder: rest is productive, even when it doesn’t look like it.
What’s Happening in the Kitchen Garden
There’s still plenty to enjoy, even in January, though harvests are modest and thoughtful.
Currently harvesting:
• Leeks, parsnips and winter carrots
• Kale, cavolo nero and purple sprouting
• Chard and hardy spinach under cover
• Stored squash, onions and garlic from last season
Root vegetables continue to improve in flavour after cold snaps, and greens appreciate being picked little and often. This is also a good moment to keep checking stored crops and removing anything that’s starting to turn.
My January gardening is mostly done indoors…with a cup of tea close by.
This is the time I focus on:
• Sketching out garden plans, the year runs so much more smoothly with a good plan (and its really fun to think ahead for when the sun and warmth returns)
• Reviewing notes from last year — yields, pests, timing
• Ordering seeds mindfully (less than you think you need! Although I never manage this)
• Cleaning pots and trays ready for early sowings
• Sharpening tools and repairing handles
There’s no need to be strict or ambitious — just gently setting intentions for the year ahead.
I normally hold off sowing any seeds until February but one I always sow in January is Sweet Peas! They are a hardy flower and they can help to beat those January gardening blues. One of my favourite varieties is 'Matucana' said to be one of the most heavily scented sweet pea varieties! It is smaller than other varieties but definitely makes up for size in its scent!
When the weather turns cold again, this is a staple.
You’ll need:
• Leeks, carrots and celery (or whatever winter veg you have)
• A clove or two of garlic
• Fresh thyme or bay
• Vegetable stock
• Salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil
Method:
Gently soften chopped vegetables in olive oil. Add garlic and herbs, cover with stock, and simmer for 30–40 minutes. Season well and serve with bread or leftover grains. Simple, nourishing, and exactly what January calls for.
Looking Forward
Over the coming weeks, we’ll slowly turn towards spring — seed sowing, soil care, early flowers, and building resilience in the garden.
Thank you for being here at the start of a new year. I hope it begins gently for you — with warmth, good food, and small moments of calm among the winter days.
Until next time,
Jamie
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