Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Chihuahuas were the eclectic mix in my garden yesterday.

January Garden: Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts in a raised planter bed with a few Leeks planted in-between.

January is a great time to get Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts into the garden plots. Create a quick and easy garden with small growing plants in containers or flats vs. seeds. These have been in my raised garden for several weeks now and were purchased at a local garden store in 4″ containers. I like buying and sowing seeds directly into the soil during the spring and summer when the soil is warmer, but with the winter months being a bit cooler I find it easier to garden with small plant starters and transplant them into a nice rich organic soil.

* Broccoli: Set transplants about 2 inches deeper into the raised planter than they were in the container purchased and space out about 18 inches. Use a good mulch to help plants retain their moisture. Broccoli needs plenty of nitrogen and calcium so planting in a rich soil/compost or adding a 10-10-10 fertilizer is helpful.

* Brussels Sprouts: This plant can survive frost so it is a great winter crop. This is a slow grower needing a sunny location and well-drained soil. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts can be planted as companion plants since they require the same soil needs. Brussels Sprouts mature from the bottom of the plant upward and are best when picked on the small side for optimum flavor.

January/February Garden Ideas: Southern California Planting Guide

VEGETABLES: ARTICHOKE, ASPARAGUS, BEETS, BROCCOLI, CABBAGE, CARROTS, CAULIFLOWER, CELERY, CHIVES, COLLARDS, FAVAS, KALE, LETTUCE, PARSLEY,PEAS,  RADISH, RHUBARB, SPINACH, TURNIP.

FRUITS that Grow In January:  AVOCADO, GUAVAS, KUMQUATS, LEMONS, STRAWBERRIES, NAVEL ORANGES, TANGERINES.

FLOWERS: Plant summer blooming bulbs: Canna, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Gladiolus, and Tuberose. Sweet Peas.

* Prune Roses this month.

* Plant Bare Root Berries, Fruit Trees, Grapes.

Bella (sporting a warm red sweater) out in the garden posing next to 'almost flowering' Nasturtium

Chula was clearly "Not" interested in gardening or wearing any kind of sweater. We let her sleep in.

Thanks for visiting my garden blog today

♥ Dig – Plant – Enjoy ♥

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