January · Midwinter
What to sow in January in Milan
16 crops are in their window this month in Milan — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 16 Mar
First frost≈ 1 Dec
Frost-free daysFrom 16 Mar
January averages2°–8°C
Vegetables
6 in season
Broad Beans
Direct sow · pinch growing tips once pods set to deter aphids
Celeriac
Start indoors · sow indoors early — celeriac takes months to bulk up
Celery
Start indoors · keep soil consistently moist for tender, mild stalks
Ginger
Start indoors · start indoors in late winter; it needs a long season
Luffa
Start indoors · give it a sturdy trellis; vines get heavy fast
Herbs
6 in season
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
Lemongrass
Start indoors · pot it up in fall and bring indoors before frost
Oregano
Start indoors · slow from seed, keep soil warm to germinate
Parsley
Start indoors · slow to sprout, soak seeds overnight first
Sage
Start indoors · slow grower, start early and harden off well
Fruit
4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn