January marks the start of a new year in the garden and offers an opportunity to plan with both foresight and hindsight, much like Janus, the Roman deity of beginnings and transitions. As the leaves have fallen and the garden rests, its true shape is revealed, creating the perfect canvas for your imagination. This is a time to assess successes and challenges from the past year and refine your garden plans to achieve a thriving, productive landscape.

Why January is Perfect for Planning

The quieter winter garden, free of summer's distractions, invites thoughtful planning. Take this time to:

Reflect on the plants that thrived last year and identify varieties to grow again.
Explore new options to bring diversity and excitement to your garden.
Resist impulsive seed catalog purchases by prioritizing a balance of proven performers and new experiments.
Order seeds from high-quality mail-order companies to access rare and heirloom varieties unavailable in local stores.

Seed Storage Tips

Proper storage extends the life of your seeds, ensuring vigor for 3 to 5 years:

Use airtight containers, such as Tupperware or food-grade buckets.
Add silica gel desiccant packs to maintain low humidity.
Store in a cool, dry location, like a refrigerator, and only take out seeds as needed.

Sowing Indoors: January’s Best Picks

January is ideal for sowing seeds indoors for later transplanting. The following plants thrive when started now, providing you with an early advantage for the growing season:

Vegetables

Onion Family (Chives, Leeks, Bulbing Onions, Scallions): These hardy alliums benefit from early indoor sowing, giving them ample time to establish before transplanting outdoors. They’re staples for flavor-packed dishes and provide year-round culinary value.
Rose Family (Alpine Strawberry): These perennial berries offer delicate, flavorful fruit perfect for borders or containers. Starting early indoors ensures robust plants by spring.
Sunflower Family (Artichokes, Cardoon, Endive, Lettuce): Early sowing provides a head start for these cool-season crops. Artichokes and cardoons add visual drama, while endive and lettuce ensure fresh greens for salads.

Flowers

Borage Family (Heliotrope, Wax Flower): These vibrant, pollinator-friendly plants add color and ecological value to your garden.
Geranium Family (Geraniums): Classic, versatile flowers that thrive in containers and garden beds.
Mint Family (Bee Balm): Attract pollinators while adding beauty and medicinal value.
Sunflower Family (Lawn Daisy, Plume Thistle, Roman Chamomile, Yarrow): These ornamental and functional plants bring charm and ecological benefits.

How Eco-Restore Can Help

Eco-Restore is here to support your gardening endeavors, offering expertise and practical solutions tailored to the Pacific Northwest climate. We can assist with:

Garden Planning: Our custom designs align with your goals, incorporating permaculture principles for resilience and productivity.
Seed Starting Guidance: We’ll help you choose the best varieties for your space and provide tips for successful indoor sowing.
Soil Health Consultations: Ensure your soil is ready for transplants with our tailored fertility and health assessments.

As we embrace the fresh start of January, let’s look forward to a productive, beautiful growing season. Eco-Restore is ready to help you achieve your garden dreams with thoughtful planning and practical solutions for the PNW.

Contact Eco-Restore today to schedule your call or learn more about how we can transform your garden this year!

Garden Guide January