Ep 160: What to Plant in January: Back to Basics — The Most Reliable Plants for This Month, Wherever You Live Artwork

The Messed Up Gardener

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you.

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The Messed Up Gardener

Ep 160: What to Plant in January: Back to Basics — The Most Reliable Plants for This Month, Wherever You Live

January 18, 2026 • Esther Aitken

January gardening can feel deceptively simple… and strangely exhausting.

Whether you’re dealing with peak summer heat in the Southern Hemisphere or deep winter planning in the Northern Hemisphere, this episode is a calm, practical reset for tired gardeners who want clarity without pressure.

In this episode, Esther walks you through seven reliable plants you can plant in January, no matter where you live — plus how to choose what actually fits your energy, space, and season right now.

This isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about choosing one or two things that work with January, not against it.

If your energy is low, the weather feels extreme, or your motivation is a bit wobbly — this episode is your permission slip to simplify, stabilise, and keep going.

🎧 Perfect for gardeners who want progress without pressure.

And until next time, remember:
Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget. 🌱
Have an abundant week — I’ll buzz you later. 🐝

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· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.

Freebies: Grab the

- "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden

- https://stan.store/EstherA

- Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.