As the winter months drag on, many gardeners are eager to get their hands back into the soil. While spring may still be weeks away, there are plenty of crops that can be sown now to ensure a head start on the growing season. By carefully selecting cold-tolerant and slow-growing plants, it is possible to maximize the harvest and enjoy strong, healthy crops earlier in the year. Here are some top picks for late winter sowing and the best techniques to ensure success.

Chili Peppers: A Long Season Favorite

For those who love a bit of spice, chili peppers should be at the top of the planting list. These heat-loving plants require a long growing season, especially in cooler climates, making late winter the perfect time to start them indoors.

One excellent variety is the Tabasco chili pepper, which is ideal for making homemade hot sauce. To give these plants the best start, a special seed-starting mix consisting of equal parts coconut coir fiber and peat-free potting mix is recommended. This combination provides excellent drainage, a must for peppers.

To germinate successfully, chili pepper seeds require steady warmth. A heat mat set to 21-24°C (70-75°F) is ideal, but if unavailable, placing seed trays in the warmest part of the house, covered with a plastic dome, can work just as well. Once the seedlings emerge, they can be potted individually and grown in a bright, warm location until it’s time to transplant them outdoors.

Onions: Why Seeds Are Better Than Sets

Onions are a kitchen staple, and growing them from seeds rather than sets has several advantages. Seed-grown onions are less prone to bolting (premature flowering) and tend to produce larger, more uniform bulbs.

For this crop, Globo onions are an excellent choice, as they are known for their impressive size. These are best started in plug trays filled with finely textured potting mix, gently firming the soil to create a stable growing environment. Depending on the goals:

  • For large onions, sow one seed per plug and space them 15cm (6 inches) apart when transplanting.

  • For medium-sized onions, sow 5-7 seeds per plug and transplant them as clusters.

Watering is crucial at this stage, and a pump-action sprayer is recommended to gently moisten the soil without disturbing the tiny seeds. Onions do not require high temperatures to germinate—55-60°F (14-16°C) is ideal—so an unheated room or cool greenhouse works well.

Broad Beans: Hardy and Early Producers

Broad beans (also known as fava beans) are one of the hardiest legumes and an excellent choice for early planting. While some gardeners sow them in autumn, unpredictable cold snaps can wipe out young plants. Instead, it is often better to sow them in late winter, allowing them to develop into stocky, sturdy seedlings before transplanting.

The best method is to sow broad beans in plug trays filled with potting mix, covering them 5cm (2 inches) deep. If the garden has well-draining soil, they can also be direct sown, but indoor germination offers better protection against mice and excessive wetness. When seedlings reach 8cm (3 inches) tall, they are ready to go outdoors, spaced 20cm (8 inches) apart. Providing some support will help the plants stay upright as they grow.

Brassicas: Cabbage, Cauliflower, and More

Brassicas—cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli—are cool-season crops that thrive in early sowing conditions. This year, Greyhound cabbage, an early-maturing variety, and summer-heading cauliflower are excellent choices.

To conserve space, seeds should be started in small pots, later transplanting the seedlings into individual plug trays. Once they grow strong enough, they can be planted in nutrient-rich soil. Recommended spacing:

  • Cabbage: 30cm (1ft) apart.

  • Cauliflower: 50cm (20in) apart.

Because brassicas are quite hardy, they tolerate partial shade, making them suitable for gardens with limited direct sunlight. Adding well-rotted manure to the planting area improves soil structure and provides essential nutrients.

Spinach: A Cool-Season Champion

Spinach is a must-grow leafy green, especially for early sowing. While it can be direct-seeded, starting in plug trays gives young plants an advantage by protecting them from slugs. Each plug can hold 2-3 seeds, and they can be transplanted as clusters once established.

Key tips for growing spinach successfully:

  • Avoid bolting: Early sowing extends the harvesting period before summer heat triggers flowering.

  • Transplant when ready: After 5-6 weeks, seedlings can go into compost-enriched soil, spaced 20cm (8 inches) apart.

  • Speed up germination: Keeping trays indoors for a few days accelerates sprouting by about a week.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about getting seeds started while winter is still in full force. By carefully choosing the right crops and using simple techniques to optimize germination and early growth, it is possible to extend the harvest window and enjoy healthier plants.

Now is the perfect time to start sowing and planning for a bountiful gardening season!

February 04, 2025

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