January in the Garden at Hvilhøj

Welcome to a new beginning in the garden! Although January may seem like a quiet month, with the garden covered in frost, it is actually a time filled with planning and preparation. Here at Hvilhøj we love this time, when we can dream about the upcoming growing season and start taking the first steps towards a new year in the garden.

Preparation and Planning

January is perfect for making big plans. We go through seed catalogs, find inspiration, and take note of what worked well last year and what we want to try again. Here are some tips for what you can prepare for in your garden in January:

• Plan your vegetable garden : Make a list of what crops you want to grow this year. Be sure to rotate crops to protect the soil.
• Order seeds : If you haven't already, January is the ideal time to order seeds. We highly recommend organic seeds that are suitable for your local climate conditions.
• Cut damaged branches from trees and shrubs : Now that the trees are dormant, you can prune old or damaged branches without stressing them.
• Clean the greenhouse : If you have a greenhouse, January is a good month to clean the windows of algae and dirt so that your plants get the most light possible.

What can you grow in January?

Even though the ground outside is still cold, there is actually quite a bit you can sow indoors. At Hvilhøj we always start by pre-germinating some of the vegetables that require a longer growing season.

• Chili and peppers : They need a long time to develop, so January is a good time to start them indoors.
• Onions and leeks : These can also be pre-sprouted now so they are ready to be planted out in the spring.
• Lettuce and spinach in a greenhouse : If you have an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, you can try growing quick-growing crops like lettuce and spinach. They can handle a little cold and will give you the first tender leaves at the end of winter.

Prepare the ground for the new year

Although the ground in January may be hard and frozen, there are still preparations you can make:

• Spread compost : If the ground is not frozen, you can add a layer of compost or organic matter to your beds. This will help enrich the soil and improve its structure for spring sowing.
• Check soil drainage : Make sure your beds have good drainage, especially if the soil is very wet during the winter months.

Wildlife in the garden

Even in the cold winter months, the garden is full of life. We always make sure to help the wildlife here at Hvilhøj. Here are some ways you can do the same:

• Feed the birds : Be sure to stock your bird feeding stations. Frozen days can be tough on birds, and they will appreciate a little extra food.
• Insect hotels : If you have insect hotels, make sure they are well placed and protected from wind and rain.

Inspiration from Hvilhøj

At Hvilhøj we take January as an opportunity to reflect on our goals for the garden. This year we plan to expand our orchard and start new exciting projects. Keep an eye on our blog for more updates on what’s happening on the farm – we look forward to sharing it with you!

Get the year off to a great start in your garden!
Remember that even though it's winter, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare for a rich growing season. We're always here to inspire and share our experiences from Hvilhøj. Ready to get your hands dirty? Please write if you have any questions or want more tips for winter gardening.