Winter container gardening: Sow now, bloom early in spring
January is an excellent time to start your gardening adventure, even if winter still holds us in its chilly grasp. Growing flowers in containers during this period is a great way to enjoy greenery as early as spring. Check out which flowers you can sow in January.
Starting to grow flowers in containers during winter is not just a way to enjoy green and blooming plants faster in the spring, but also a great opportunity to spend winter days creatively and relaxingly. Why choose this method? Winter sowing in containers provides plants with stable growth conditions, without exposing them to the whims of the weather.
For many plant enthusiasts, being able to grow flowers indoors or in a greenhouse during winter brings much satisfaction. In this way, you can accelerate the development of young plants, which grow faster in favourable conditions and better handle early spring frosts.
What flowers can be sown in January?
January, though wintry, does not limit our flower sowing choices. Which plants should you consider? Optimal choices include annual varieties such as wax begonia, garden petunia, cape lobelia, Mexican aster, and scarlet sage. Additionally, you can also sow zonal geraniums and verbena.
When choosing seeds, it's worth paying attention to their quality and planning the space for future growth appropriately. It's also good to select based on favourite colours that will adorn your space in summer.
How to grow flowers in containers?
To provide flowers with the best conditions for growth in containers, ensure the right soil and proper drainage. What soil is the best? Universal garden soil with a draining additive such as perlite or crushed lightweight expanded clay aggregate will provide plants with an appropriate substrate and allow excess water to drain. It's important to avoid overwatering and water accumulation in containers to prevent root rot.
Flowers need a place that is well-sunlit for most of the day. The humidity should be moderate, and the plants should be watered when the top layer of soil slightly dries out.
How to sow flowers in containers? Initially, prepare containers filled with a soil mix. When filling them, remember to leave about a 1 centimetre margin from the edge to make watering easier later.
When the containers are ready, it's time to sow the seeds. Scatter seeds on the surface, trying to keep them at appropriate intervals. Then gently cover them with soil. Water carefully using a spray bottle to avoid displacing the seeds. After planting, place the containers in a warm, bright area and wait for the first signs of growth.
Why sow flowers in containers?
One of the main advantages of winter sowing is that plants have more time to develop strong roots. As a result, when spring arrives, they are ready for the changing weather and grow faster.
By sowing plants now, you also gain a time advantage. Your flowers can start growing earlier, so they will bloom faster than those planted later. This way, a garden full of colours can be admired early in spring while others are just beginning their garden work.
