Vegetables in January - What to do?

Vegetable sowing and associated new works for January are less than other months. This month is more about harvesting and maintaining existing crops. Our 77 tomatoes plants (Acton Smallholding), for example, are looking very promising. The vines are bursting with fruit. First harvest should be in a week or two. Care on these plants will mean keeping the watering even over the month of January. Without even watering tomatoes can develop split like scabs to the top of the fruit.

What new works can be starting in January? Two very important ones: Silver Beet and Swedes. January is the time to prepare the beds and sow for a winter and spring supply of these two vegetables. Personally I would not 'throw a party' for Swedes but Silver Beet I love.

Silver Beet Recipe:
Wrap a piece of cheese - 'coon' for example - in Silver Beet. Steam till the leaves wilt. Serve with Cape Grim Beef. The cheese melt surprise inside the silver beet has put the smile on many a child's face, including mine when mum served this to us as children.

Both Silver Beet and Swede will occupy the group for about six months. It is therefore important to have a well-prepared and manured soil. Doing so you should expect to provide food for the kitchen for half of the six months these plants will spend in the ground.