January: Planning for a new beginning
Introduction
January may be quiet in the garden, but it’s one of the most important months for preparation. It’s time to clean, plan, organize, and set up your systems so you’re ready to hit the ground running come spring.
For LifeSpace Gardens powered by GardenWells sub-irrigation, January is about maintenance and preparation — checking your SIP systems, refreshing soil, and mapping out planting strategies for the months ahead.
Reservoir Rhythm for January
Most plants are dormant, and cooler temperatures mean SIP water use is minimal. Expect to refill your GardenWells reservoirs only every 25–30 days — if at all. Use your WaterStem to check moisture, and when the Hummingbird pops up, you’re topped off and good to go.
Pro Tip: Drain and clean any unused SIP reservoirs to prevent standing water from freezing or stagnating.
Reservoir vs. Top-Watering Comparison for January
| Watering Method | Average Refill Frequency | Water Efficiency | Plant Stress Risk | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GardenWells Wicking Bed | Every 25–30 days | ★★★★★ (90%+ retained) | Very low — stable hydration protects roots | Minimal |
| Traditional Top Watering | Every 10–14 days | ★★☆☆☆ (55% retained) | Moderate — cold, dry air pulls moisture quickly | High |
| Hand-Watering Containers | Every 3–5 days | ★☆☆☆☆ (35% retained) | High — small volumes dry out faster indoors | Intensive |
Key Gardening Tasks for January
1. Plan Your Garden Layout
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Review past successes and note what you want to grow more of this year.
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Use a square-foot gardening approach to optimize planting density.
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Build a succession planting plan for greens and quick-harvest crops.
2. Organize & Order Seeds
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Sort through leftover seeds and check expiration dates.
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Order any specialty seeds early before popular varieties sell out.
3. Maintain Your SIP Systems
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Clean WaterStems and ensure Hummingbirds move freely. Ensure no blockages to the OverFlow.
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Check soil depth and add compost to prepare beds for spring planting.
4. Start Early Indoor Crops (Optional)
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Start long-season plants like onions, leeks, and celery under lights.
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Plant indoor herb gardens featuring parsley, cilantro, basil, and dill.
🌟 Veggie of the Month: Onions
Onions are one of the earliest crops to start indoors, making January the perfect month to give them a head start.
Quick Onion Tips:
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Start Indoors: Use seed trays or plug trays under grow lights.
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Transplant Timing: Move into SIPs or raised beds by March/April.
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Bonus Tip: Pair onions with carrots and beets for efficient square-foot planting.
📘 Read the Full Onion Growing Guide →
What to Plant, Start, Transplant & Harvest in January
| Action | Veggies & Herbs |
|---|---|
| Direct-Seed Outdoors (only in mild climates) | Garlic, Spinach, Arugula, Mache |
| Start Indoors | Onions, Leeks, Celery, Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Chives |
| Transplant Now (for indoor SIP planters only) | Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Mint |
| Harvest This Month | Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Mache, Parsley, Cilantro |
Out-of-the-Box: Start Your Garden Today
Just unboxed your LifeSpace Garden? January is the time to prepare, plan, and get organized:
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Start indoor herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro in SIP planters for fresh winter harvests.
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Set up early onion or leek starts to get ahead for spring.
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Fill your GardenWells sparingly, keeping an eye on the Hummingbird indicator to avoid overwatering.
💡 Product Tips
January is the perfect prep month for the growing season ahead:
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Limited indoor space? Use CondoFarms self-watering planters for kitchen herbs and greens.
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Want a head start on spring? Upgrade with GardenWells inserts for better watering and faster growth.
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Planning a full redesign? Build a long-term growing system with custom self-watering raised beds.