Seeds to sow in the garden this month
Some handy suggestions on seeds to sow in your garden now, no matter which climate zone you live in.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive list of what to sow, check out the list of seeds to sow here.
cool Climate - January
LETTUCE HEIRLOOM MIX
A splendid mix of some of our favourite heirloom lettuces that bring colour and flavour from the garden to the table. Includes Tennis Ball, Rouge d'Hiver, Freckles, Tango and Red Leprechaun.
CORN 'HONEY AND CREAM' F1
So sweet it doesn't need cooking, with plump yellow and white kernels. Harvest in 12 weeks. Sow >20 C soil temperature.
PARSNIP 'HOLLOW CROWN'
A smooth skinned variety that has been a favourite since the 1820's. The flavour improves if stored in the soil over winter. Sow in spring in cold climates and in autumn in warmer climates.
PAK CHOY
Thick, curved succulent leaves are a must for stir-fries and Asian soups. Grow quickly in a rich, moist soil to harvest in about 8 weeks. Yields 110g per plant.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS 'RED RUBINE' AKA RUBY
Buttons of burgundy-red nutty sprouts with lavender-blue leaves. These sprouts turn an intriguing caviar-black when cooked.
CAULIFLOWER 'SICILY PURPLE'
A colourful Italian heirloom with brilliant purple heads and a mild, sweet flavour. The head cooks to green, but tastes great fresh from the garden. Less appealing to brassica pests. Harvest at 25 weeks.
SPRING ONION 'RED'
Brilliant crimson bulbs rich in antioxidants. Will grow into bulbs that can be used like shallots if left in the ground, or pick the green stems early and use as you would regular spring onions.
CABBAGE 'MINI'
Our fastest forming cabbage and best seller!Ideal for raised garden beds, mini-plots and small gardens, this fast-growing, small cabbage forms neat, crisp heads when planted 20cm apart and is ready to harvest in just 18 weeks. Slow to bolt, plant at 50cm spacings for larger 1.3kg heads.
Beetroot 'Chioggia'
Concentrically eccentric, this beet was traditionally grown in Chioggia, Italy (just outside Venice), where it has been part of local cuisine since 1538 – a true heirloom beetroot. Slow to bolt, tender, mild and sweet. Harvest at 8 weeks for 60g roots.
SILVERBEET FIVE COLOUR MIX
Dazzling, colourful and extremely nutritious. Midribs of red, orange, yellow, pink or white make this the perfect fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegetable garden. Listed in Vilmorin's Vegetable Garden 1888, and also called Rainbow Chard we grew this for its re-introduction into the US for What's Old is New, where it became a best seller and a signature plant for heirlooms.
Broccoli 'Romanesco'
A true geometric wonder of the heirloom world. These beautiful lime-green broccoli heads have a delicate flavour and feature a unique spiralling pattern. Ready to harvest 10-14 weeks from transplant. Heads grow up to 1kg. Does not produce side-shoots.
CARROT HEIRLOOM MIX
An exclusive Digger's mix exploding with colours from red to white and purple to yellow. Succulent and sweet, these carrots hold their colour when cooked, adding an exciting dimension to meals and salads.
RADISH 'PINK LADY SLIPPER'
Pink Lady Slipper is a charming yet robust addition to our radish offerings. Its crisp texture and mild pungency made it a taste test winner. The roots are an attractive pink colour, elongated with a blunt tip and slender taproot. In addition, this radish maintains its crisp texture and mild flavor for a stunning 40+ days from sowing! Matures in 30 to 34 days.
LEEK 'KING RICHARD'
The King of Leeks! An excellent early variety, producing extra- long shanks that are easy to clean and uniform. A cook's favourite. Harvest early as `baby leeks'.
cool Climate - February
Beetroot 'Chioggia'
Concentrically eccentric, this beet was traditionally grown in Chioggia, Italy (just outside Venice), where it has been part of local cuisine since 1538 – a true heirloom beetroot. Slow to bolt, tender, mild and sweet. Harvest at 8 weeks for 60g roots.
BROCCOLI 'WALTHAM'
First grown in Waltham,Massachusetts, this popular Farmers' Market variety forms large heads. Pick side shoots for up to 3 months. Yields more than 1kg per plant.
CABBAGE 'JANUARY KING'
A striking semi-savoy variety that wraps itself in shades of turquoise, pink, blue and green leaves. Known as `Chou de Milan de Pontoise' in France, this English heirloom dates back to 1867. Prefers a little shade. Heads of up to 6.5kg.
CAULIFLOWER 'SICILY PURPLE'
A colourful Italian heirloom with brilliant purple heads and a mild, sweet flavour. The head cooks to green, but tastes great fresh from the garden. Less appealing to brassica pests. Harvest at 25 weeks.
CORIANDER
Looking light and gauzy in the garden, coriander grows rapidly in the cooler months. Eat the leaves fresh, dry-fry the seeds and use the roots for that nuance of Thailand in a stir-fry or curry.
KALE 'RED RUSSIAN'
Winner of our spring 2015 kale taste tests! The tender blue-green leaves are blushed with purple and were the stand out winners in our steamed and raw taste tests. If you are looking to add a new superfood to your list then this is the one for you. Frost improves flavour.
PARSNIP 'HOLLOW CROWN'
A smooth skinned variety that has been a favourite since the 1820's. The flavour improves if stored in the soil over winter. Sow in spring in cold climates and in autumn in warmer climates.
SILVERBEET FIVE COLOUR MIX
Dazzling, colourful and extremely nutritious. Midribs of red, orange, yellow, pink or white make this the perfect fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegetable garden. Listed in Vilmorin's Vegetable Garden 1888, and also called Rainbow Chard we grew this for its re-introduction into the US for What's Old is New, where it became a best seller and a signature plant for heirlooms.
SPRING ONION 'EVERGREEN TRIDENT'
A versatile easy to grow vegie that can be used in a range of dishes from salads to stir fries. They add a touch of heat without making your eyes water like their other onion cousins.
warm Climate - January
CALENDULA 'GREEN HEART ORANGE'
Named from the Latin 'Kalenade' (the first day of the month) because it can be in flower every day of the year bring brilliant orange brightness to the garden in the darkest of seasons. So willingly do they grow that they barely need sowing. Elizabethans called it marigold before Mexico was discovered, which then, became the source of popular modern marigolds. Beneficial with medical and culinary properties, like many gardeners, this flower is too `green at heart'.
CARROT HEIRLOOM MIX
An exclusive Digger's mix exploding with colours from red to white and purple to yellow. Succulent and sweet, these carrots hold their colour when cooked, adding an exciting dimension to meals and salads.
SPRING ONION 'EVERGREEN TRIDENT'
A versatile easy to grow vegie that can be used in a range of dishes from salads to stir fries. They add a touch of heat without making your eyes water like their other onion cousins.
CAULIFLOWER 'SICILY PURPLE'
A colourful Italian heirloom with brilliant purple heads and a mild, sweet flavour. The head cooks to green, but tastes great fresh from the garden. Less appealing to brassica pests. Harvest at 25 weeks.
PARSNIP 'HOLLOW CROWN'
A smooth skinned variety that has been a favourite since the 1820's. The flavour improves if stored in the soil over winter. Sow in spring in cold climates and in autumn in warmer climates.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS 'RED RUBINE' AKA RUBY
Buttons of burgundy-red nutty sprouts with lavender-blue leaves. These sprouts turn an intriguing caviar-black when cooked.
Broccoli 'Romanesco'
A true geometric wonder of the heirloom world. These beautiful lime-green broccoli heads have a delicate flavour and feature a unique spiralling pattern. Ready to harvest 10-14 weeks from transplant. Heads grow up to 1kg. Does not produce side-shoots.
Beetroot 'Chioggia'
Concentrically eccentric, this beet was traditionally grown in Chioggia, Italy (just outside Venice), where it has been part of local cuisine since 1538 – a true heirloom beetroot. Slow to bolt, tender, mild and sweet. Harvest at 8 weeks for 60g roots.
CABBAGE 'RED DRUMHEAD'
Magnificently ornamental, the blue leaves and red, round head are a spellbinding colour combination in the vegetable garden. Loaded with antioxidants, it's ideal for slaw, fermentation or a light braising with apple. Suitable for warmer sowings because of improved resistant to caterpillars. Heads of 3.3kg.
LETTUCE HEIRLOOM MIX
A splendid mix of some of our favourite heirloom lettuces that bring colour and flavour from the garden to the table. Includes Tennis Ball, Rouge d'Hiver, Freckles, Tango and Red Leprechaun.
LEEK 'KING RICHARD'
The King of Leeks! An excellent early variety, producing extra- long shanks that are easy to clean and uniform. A cook's favourite. Harvest early as `baby leeks'.
RADISH 'PINK LADY SLIPPER'
Pink Lady Slipper is a charming yet robust addition to our radish offerings. Its crisp texture and mild pungency made it a taste test winner. The roots are an attractive pink colour, elongated with a blunt tip and slender taproot. In addition, this radish maintains its crisp texture and mild flavor for a stunning 40+ days from sowing! Matures in 30 to 34 days.
SILVERBEET FIVE COLOUR MIX
Dazzling, colourful and extremely nutritious. Midribs of red, orange, yellow, pink or white make this the perfect fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegetable garden. Listed in Vilmorin's Vegetable Garden 1888, and also called Rainbow Chard we grew this for its re-introduction into the US for What's Old is New, where it became a best seller and a signature plant for heirlooms.
warm Climate - February
CABBAGE 'MINI WOMBOK'
Harvest while young as Baby Wombok or allow to grow longer for larger heads. Protect from slugs and snails away as they like it as much as we do. Quicker to harvest than other cabbages and a great one if you are short on space. .
RADISH HEIRLOOM MIX
One of our most popular mixes, the collection of colours and flavours makes for a spicy salad. Quick to grow, sow with carrots to maximise space in your garden. The radish will be in and out before your carrots develop their swollen roots.
Beetroot 'Globe'
The most popular of sweet roots for roasting or pickling. 80 gram roots at 8 week harvest.
PEA 'SNOW PEA' CLIMBING
An Asian and now Australian favourite. These flat peas can be eaten pod and all and are ideal steamed, in stir fries or crispy in salads. Climbing variety needs trellising, and harvests in 44 days.
Silverbeet Coloured Culinary Mix
Specifically selected from our trials as the ultimate mix for the home gourmet. With colourful short thin stems and large flat leaves for ease of preparation, this is bound to become your go-to green. Highly nutritious, easy to grow and easy to prepare.
PARSNIP 'HOLLOW CROWN'
A smooth skinned variety that has been a favourite since the 1820's. The flavour improves if stored in the soil over winter. Sow in spring in cold climates and in autumn in warmer climates.
LETTUCE 'AUSTRALIAN YELLOW LEAF'
We are proud to be a part of the re-introduction of this Australian heirloom. Unique lime-yellow leaves are a favourite amongst Diggers staff. Beautiful in the garden and on the plate.
LEEK 'KING RICHARD'
The King of Leeks! An excellent early variety, producing extra- long shanks that are easy to clean and uniform. A cook's favourite. Harvest early as `baby leeks'.
BROCCOLI 'PURPLE SPROUTING'
The ultimate cut and come gain vegetable, this broccoli keeps on producing for months. Delicious, full of antioxidants and visually spectacular with its wondrous spires of deep purple florets. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant, yields 1kg per plant.
hot Climate - January
Corn 'Painted Mountain'
Saved from extinction by Montana farmer, Dave Christensen, the original strains of this ancient corn were believed to be widely cultivated by native Indians and early American settlers. Painted Mountain is very cold hardy and can be ground for flour or grown purely to enjoy the rich tapestry of colours found in every cob.
CORN 'BABY' F1
For Baby Corn, harvest continuously before the silks appear and grow up to 6 cobs per plant. Fresh baby corn is the most delicate of delicacies and makes sophisticated stir-fries. Never put up with the tinned variety again. For Popcorn, simply leave the cobs on the plant to mature, then dry the kernels.
SWEET BASIL
This is the true basil favoured by continental cooks. Grow half a dozen plants and you will have enough to pick fresh all summer plus make pesto that you can freeze for quick pasta dishes in the winter.
MUSTARD 'RED GIANT'
For those that like it hot. The huge bronze-green leaves with striking white midribs add structure to the vegetable garden. A first rate, quick growing ornamental. Spice up stir-fries or flavour sandwiches- whatever you do it is sure to add a zing. Harvest when young for salads as it gets hotter with age.
THAI BASIL
The best basil for bringing that fresh anise flavour to Asian dishes such as Thai green curries and Vietnamese soups. Shiny green leaves contrast with the dark purple stems and flowers making this an attractive addition to the summer garden.
CORN 'HONEY AND CREAM' F1
So sweet it doesn't need cooking, with plump yellow and white kernels. Harvest in 12 weeks. Sow >20 C soil temperature.
MIZUNA 'RED AND LIME STREAKS'
This vibrant two tone mix has lime green and deep red delicate feathery leaves that add a spicy tang to garden salads. Sow frequently to keep up a supply of young leaves with a distinct mustard taste. Pick in just 4 weeks.
hot Climate - February
BROCCOLI 'PURPLE SPROUTING'
The ultimate cut and come gain vegetable, this broccoli keeps on producing for months. Delicious, full of antioxidants and visually spectacular with its wondrous spires of deep purple florets. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant, yields 1kg per plant.
SWEET BASIL
This is the true basil favoured by continental cooks. Grow half a dozen plants and you will have enough to pick fresh all summer plus make pesto that you can freeze for quick pasta dishes in the winter.
CARROT 'PARIS MARKET'
A wonderful 19thC French heirloom carrot with unusual globe-shaped roots. These small carrots grow well in pots, shallow soil and heavy clay. Water well to keep carrots round. Best eaten when young, at around 5cm. Stagger sowing for extended harvest.
CARROT 'PURPLE DRAGON'
First recorded in Spain around 1100 AD, the original Afghan three-coloured carrot was grown in the Middle East for many years before this, it is in- fact the antecedent of the more familiar orange carrot. The rich violet coloured skin holds a bounty of antioxidant anthocyanins, whilst the orange core is abundant with carotene. Colourful plate appeal, powerful nutritional composition and simple growing requirements make the Purple Carrot a home garden essential.
BROCCOLI 'KAILAAN'
Long succulent stems topped with compact broccoli heads that open to white flowers. All parts, even the leaves, are good eating. The taste is sweet to start, then the mustard flavour comes through. Excellent steamed, in stir-fries and laksas. Can be planted close together as its upright narrow habit grows well en masse.
CORN 'TRUE GOLD'
Traditional, open pollinated corn is getting harder to find as sweeter hybrids become more popular. Don't be deterred - this is corn as it should be - crisp, buttery and true corn flavour.
Corn 'Painted Mountain'
Saved from extinction by Montana farmer, Dave Christensen, the original strains of this ancient corn were believed to be widely cultivated by native Indians and early American settlers. Painted Mountain is very cold hardy and can be ground for flour or grown purely to enjoy the rich tapestry of colours found in every cob.
This month in the garden
Sow your own vegie seeds
There’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own food from seed. So dig into spring with these expert sowing tips. Watch seed sowing video
Secret to growing summer flowering perennials
The Diggers Club prides itself on our magnificent perennial borders and our 'This Goes with That' philosophy makes it even easier to design and plant a stunning perennial garden to bring joy year after year. Dowload your free copy of ‘The Secret to summer flowering perennials’.
Secret to succulents
Create a lush summer garden using the same succulents featured in the Heronswood dry garden. Your summer garden never looked so lush, Download your free ‘Lush summer garden planting plan.’
Things to do in January
Summer pruning of fruit trees
Start to think about pruning fruit trees after you have harvested the fruit. Pruning at this time of year will restrict the growth of the tree, making it the ideal time to prune espaliered fruits.
Give fruit trees a good, deep water
If it's been a dry summer, give your fruit trees a good, deep water once a week. This is better than a daily, light water than will only reach roots close to the surface. It will also prevent fruit from splitting.
Fill up the bird baths
It is not just plants that need a drink over summer! Keep bird baths topped up to help the wildlife cool down. Birds will love having a splash around and it is delightful to watch.
Growing Weeks By Area
Diggers has divided Australia into five simple sowing areas — Cool, Warm, Hot, Subtropical, Tropical. These are determined by the number of growing weeks with an average temperature above 15°C each area can expect in a year.
For example, some annuals like beefsteak tomatoes need 16 growing weeks to flower and fruit - this means they will struggle when grown outdoors in Hobart, which only has 13 growing weeks.
Our map tells you at a glance what time of year to sow your seeds for the best results in your area.
Click below for a full-sized map to help you locate your growing area.
