Seeds To Start In January When You Garden In Canada

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Ashley

Ashley is a soil scientist who has had a passion for plants since she was a small child. In the long summers as a child, she would garden alongside her grandmother and it was then that she realized her love for greenery. With years of great studying, Ashley had begun her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan. After years of working in agriculture R&D she has decided to take on teaching gardeners using science.

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We’re glad you’re here to learn how to plant garden seeds in January for Canadians. Starting seeds inside in the winter can be a terrific method to jumpstart the growing season if you want to get a head start on your gardening.

If you are new to this blog my name is Ashley and I am a soil scientist. I am located in a Canadian Zone 3 and a USDA Zone 4. I write articles, make YouTube videos, Instagram & Facebook posts all designed for Canadians and Cold Climate gardeners using science-based methods. If you are looking for anything specific be sure to let me know in the comments down below.

Let’s discuss the fundamentals of seed starting indoors before getting into which seeds to start in January. A seed beginning tray or pot and sterile seed starting mix are the first things you’ll need. Using a seed starting mix instead of standard potting soil is crucial because seed starting mixes are particularly made to give seedlings the ideal ratio of nutrients and moisture.

You must choose your seedlings next.

Among the best times to plant seeds in January as a Canadian gardener are:

• Artichokes: in particular ones you intend to have as a perennial in Zones 6 +. Two options are green globes & cardoon
• Peppers: for these, we are looking at the super hots! Caroline Reapers & the Trinidad Scorpion
• Onions: when started from seed we tend to get the biggest bulbs! This is my favorite variety
• Herbs: two in particular eucalyptus and rosemary.
• Flowers: Starting perennial flowers from seeds can be a rewarding and affordable way to add colour to your garden. These include columbines, roses, and lavender just to name a few.

How To Start Seeds

Fill your seed-starting tray or pots with seed-starting mix, then moisten the soil to begin planting your seeds. For planting depth and spacing, strictly adhere to the recommendations on the seed packet, and then lightly cover the seeds with soil or seed starting mix. Place the tray or pots in a warm, sunny spot and lightly water the seeds. Place the seeds close to a window or use a grow light to provide lots of light and keep the soil damp but not soggy.

Your seedlings should start to grow in a few weeks if you give them the right care. You might need to move them into bigger pots or containers as they expand to allow them room to keep growing. You can move your seedlings into the garden or a larger container outside after the weather warms up and the threat of frost has passed.

We hope that reading this article has motivated you to plant some seedlings in January. Enjoy your garden!