January is the perfect time to start growing vegetables with a long growing season. Thanks to this, we will be able to enjoy the harvest earlier than other gardeners. All we need to do is take care of a few things and our harvest this season will be exceptionally successful and early. We advise you what can be sown at the beginning of the year.
January is a good time to sow vegetables that have a long growing season on warm window sills, in heated greenhouses or in shelters. These include peppers, cucumbers, leeks and celery. At the end of the month we can also sow cabbage, broccoli, parsley and kohlrabi.
These plants are sensitive to low temperatures, so early sowing allows you to obtain healthy seedlings that can be planted into the ground after May 15, minimizing the risk of damage by spring frosts. If we want to sow them, we can place them in seedling containers or boxes and lightly cover them with a layer .
Cover the prepared container with foil. Until emergence, the appropriate temperature should be maintained, which depends on the type of vegetable. Peppers, leeks and celery germinate best in warm soil at a temperature of 15-20 degrees Celsius.. However, vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and parsley need a slightly lower temperature, around 12-18 degrees Celsius.
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After sowing, the first sprouts appear after about 10 days. After emergence, we must remove the covers of the containers and ensure that the soil is properly moist by sprinkling it lightly. You should also remember that they need a lot of light and regular airing.
As the seedlings grow they should be transplanted into separate pots, which avoids excessive crowding and supports the development of a strong root system. It is best to use a light, permeable and rich in nutrients substrate, which will accelerate the development of plants.
It is also important to gradually accustom plants to lower temperatures. Hardening them off can be started by briefly exposing the seedlings outside on sunny days, gradually increasing the exposure time. In the case of vegetables that require a lot of light, it will be beneficial to illuminate them with LED lamps it will prevent the seedlings from stretching out and make the plants strong and ready for planting in May.
