If there’s something about bad timing, it’s gardening in January for those who live in Northern Europe as I do.

The weather varies from being cold to being frosty. It rains a lot, at least in this part of Holland. The wind is ferocious. In fact, my flight back to the Netherlands from England just last week was delayed because of the strong wind. If a mighty plane has a problem landing, what are the chances the slender spring onions have?

Regardless of the harsh conditions, it’s time I tended to my garden. I have more energy now, being in the second trimester, so my balcony garden deserves some care and love.

And indeed, there are things you can do in January:

Clean pots for the spring

As we went away for a month, a lot of my plants died. It’s sad, but nothing else I could do but to muster the courage and stayed out on the balcony for an hour to tidy up the loose ends.

Here’s the result:

Only then had I realised the many pots I have been hoarding.

Prune back

As I didn’t cut back all my perennial plants in late autumn, it became a job for January.

Here are my chilli plants with a few green leaves:

Fill your nut holder with nuts for hungry birds

You are feeling blue in January as the holiday has finished, but the dark days haven’t. I got it, but do you know that the birds have it worse? It’s a tough time for them to find food, so be kind and put out some nuts. Their visits to your balcony could well be the highlight of your winter.

Seeds auditing and a sowing plan

I have a Trello board for gardening. It has lists of things to buy, seeds to sow next, seeds in germination, plants to keep indoors and outdoors, etc. I might be a hobby gardener, but I surely am a pro planner 😛

Here are all the seeds I have in my precious box, plenty to get 2018 started.

• Flowers
  • Bee Mix:
  • Lavatera
  • Marigold
  • Lavender
  • Sunflowers
  • Cornflower
  • Poppy
  • Dropplant
  • More butterfly and bee mix
  • Pansy
• Herbs
  • Dill
  • Red Basil & Basil
  • Perilla
  • Sage
  • Coriander
• Vegetables
  • Spinach
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Tatsoi
  • Chards
• Fruits
  • Cherry Tomato
  • Jalapeño

None of these seeds can be sold outdoors in January, but I can start with basil and dill and keep them inside, away from the rain and frost. Besides, my autumn crops of tatsoi, chard and garlic seem to hold themselves well despite my absence, so I am hopeful.

Happy Gardening in 2018, everyone!