I hope are having a good start to February and that your gardening plans are taking shape! The days are slowly lengthening, and while we may still be in the grip of winter, there’s plenty we can do now to set ourselves up for success in the coming months.
🌱 What to Focus on as January Turns to February
💡 Sowing Chillies for Success If you’re keen to grow chillies this year, now is the time to get them started! Chillies have a long growing season, so sowing them early gives them plenty of time to establish before the warmer months arrive. Especially if you are living in the UK. Here we have shorter and cooler summers and so heat loving crops need all the time they can get! Here’s how to ensure great germination:
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Warmth is key – Use a heat mat or propagator to keep the soil at around 25°C, if you don't have access to a heat mat then a sunny windowsill by a radiator is your next best option.
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Pre-soaking seeds – Chilli and Pepper seeds have a thick outer coating and fresh seed are coated in a germination inhibitor to ensure they don't germinate within the ripe fruit. Soaking them can help to soften the coating and break down this inhibitor, allowing the seed to germinate much faster.
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Good lighting – Once germinated, keep seedlings under grow lights or in a bright window to prevent them from becoming leggy.
**TOP TIP **
Instead of simply soaking seeds in warm water, opt for a mild chamomile tea infusion as it has anti-fungal and anti-septic properties that can reduce mould spores and bacteria.
Some of my favourite varieties to grow include ‘Cal wonder bell pepper’ for a mild option, ‘Early Habanero’ for a super early spicy option and 'Chinese Dragon Tongue' for those who love a fiery kick! What’s your go-to chilli variety?
🌼 Planning for Biodiversity: Simple Steps to Support Wildlife Even the smallest changes in our gardens can make a big impact on local ecosystems. Here are a few ways to help:
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Plant native species – These provide essential food and shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
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Create a mini pond – Even a small container of water can attract frogs, toads, and birds, check out my video on creating a wildlife pond in a barrel for more info and you'll find detailed instructions in my new book if you've ordered your copy!
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Leave seed heads and plant debris – Hold back on pruning perennials such as lavender and hydrangeas as these provide food and shelter for overwintering insects.
I’ll be sharing more biodiversity-friendly garden ideas on my Instagram throughout the year, so stay tuned!
🌍 Creative Upcycling in the Garden Looking for an eco-friendly way to add character to your garden? Try repurposing old items into planters and decorations:
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Tin cans can be painted and used for hanging planters, this is a great project to get kids involved with, just remember to (carefully) poke some holes in the tin base for drainage.
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Wooden pallets can be transformed into vertical gardens or compost bays. Compost bays are a really great thing to get set up now so you can begin making compost! I posted a video to my instagram page on how I made mine, so check that out for more info. Just ensure to avoid any pallets printed with the letters MB (Methyl Bromide) as these have been treated in harsh chemicals, instead opt for HT (Heat Treated)
Do you have a favourite upcycling project? I’d love to hear about it!
🥕 Garden-to-Plate Recipe: Warming Winter Root Vegetable Stew, the days may be lengthening but its still cold in the garden so here’s a hearty and comforting stew that makes the most of winter root vegetables!
Warming Winter Stew (Plant based but doesn't have to be)
Ingredients:
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2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
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1 small swede, peeled and diced
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for warmth)
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4 cups vegetable stock
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1 can chopped tomatoes
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1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed (or opt for dried, just pre soak them overnight)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
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Add the chopped root vegetables, thyme, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, stirring well.
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Pour in the vegetable stock and chopped tomatoes, bringing to a gentle simmer.
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Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the butter beans and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.
🌟 Looking Ahead In the next newsletter, I’ll be sharing:
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What I sow in February and when is the perfect time.
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Essential pruning tasks for February.
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Updates on my new Community Gardening project and more!
As always, I’d love to hear what you’re growing and planning this season. Drop me a message or comment below with your gardening updates!
Until next time,
Jamie x
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