Article Submitted by Mia ( Free seeds on their way )

January has traditionally been seen as a bit of a dead month for though with green fingers it does not have to be that way! If the cold and wet weather is keeping you indoors that is no reason to stop growing....simply bring your growing in with you. January is a great time to concentrate on your indoor herb garden!!! Rocket, Basil, Parsley and Chives all grow well indoors, add character to your kitchen and make you look like a great chef. Window boxes and small pots are ideal for growing these kitchen herbs, it is also a good way of keeping Rocket and Mint under control, and stop them from taking over the garden.

Also January and February is a great time to give those seeds a head start so they are nice and big and ready for planting out in March/April. The rate of plantgrowth is very much dependent on the rate of photosynthesis which in turn requires temperatures of at least 6oC. For any noticeable plant grown 10-12oC is required. A good way of proving a suitable environment is for seedlings just starting their temperature dependent photosynthesis is by bringing them indoors.  I have found giving seeds a head start indoors leads to much stronger, healthier plants which yield more fruitful crops. This is because young seedlings are much more invulnerable to attacks by various pests especially Slugs.

January and February therefore does not have to be a slow month, its a great time to do research on some new varieties, get them started. There is nothing more exiting than to watch those seeding germinate.