What Seed To Sow In December In Ireland

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The dark days and cold that December brings mean what can be planted at this time of year is limited compared to every other month of the year. But there is still always something that can be sown. Below is a list of ideas of what to sow now, and underneath the list is the collection of seeds mentioned. Vegetables Under Protection December normally brings some frosty days with it. The following seeds can be planted under protection in a greenhouse, polytunnel, cold frame etc. something where the frost won't get into, and grown for their baby leaves. These are Spinach, Lettuce, Rocket, Rainbow Chard, Pak Choi, Mustard, Chicory, Cress, Oriental Salad Mix. Growth will be a lot slower this time of year due to lower temperatures and the lower amount of sunlight. If you really like any of these varieties, plant a little more than you usually would to make up for the slower growth. Providing you have the space. Lambs Lettuce (Corn Salad) is a great choice at this time of year due to its tolerance of cold. Broad Bean seeds can also be planted at this time of year for an early harvest next year. Superaquadulce is a good hardy variety for doing this. Raising Annual & Perennial Flowers Under Cover If you want some strong plants with early flowers next year, some can be started now under protection. Sow these seeds in pots or trays. To get them to germinate quickly, leave them inside at room temperature. That way they will germinate quickly. Once they germinate and develop two sets of leaves (cotyledon leaves and first true leaves) they can be kept in the greenhouse over Winter, or under whatever type of outdoor protection you can provide. Maybe there’s a sheltered corner in your garden that doesn’t get hit with frost. These plants will grow slowly over Winter and be ready to plant out in Spring. They will be strong and vigorous plants that will produce early flowers next year. The following varieties are good choices for this - Echinacea, Pansy, Sweet Pea, Herb Robert Gera