Everything you need to start seeds in January under cover or on a sunny windowsill — flowers, veg, herbs, and starter kits.

January is the perfect month to get ahead in the garden. With a little protection, many seeds can be started now to give you stronger plants, earlier flowers and faster harvests when spring arrives. Whether you grow on a windowsill, in a greenhouse, or in a small heated propagator, January sowing brings a real advantage.

Start long season flowers such as sweet peas, snapdragons and lobelia for early colour. Sow hardy salads, spinach, chard and baby leaf mixes for quick harvests. Tender crops like chillies and basil benefit from an early warm start, while microgreens and sprouting seeds offer instant results indoors. January is all about getting ahead — and every seed you sow now pays off later in the year.