January Crops and Planting in Syria

January is considered one of the most challenging months for agriculture due to low temperatures and the dominance of the cold weather known locally as the "Marba'aniya." However, it represents a strategic time for planting specific crops and preparing others under protection or in warmer regions.

I. Field Crops and Legumes

This month represents the final opportunity to plant certain crops that rely on winter rains in irrigated or semi-irrigated areas:

• Wheat and Barley: Late varieties can still be planted if rainfall was delayed. It is necessary to increase the seeding rate to compensate for the expected reduction in tillering caused by the cold.

• Broad Beans and Peas: Planting of late-season broad beans and peas continues, as these crops benefit from high soil moisture for seed germination.

II. Vegetable Crops (Protected and Open-Field)

• Under Tunnels and Plastic: Beginning the transplanting of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants inside heated or well-protected greenhouses to ensure they are ready for relocation in the spring.

• Leafy Greens: Planting of spinach, chard, lettuce, and radishes can continue in areas not subject to severe frost, as these crops possess a high tolerance for cold.

• Onions and Garlic: This month is highly suitable for planting onion sets and garlic cloves if they weren't planted in November, allowing them to establish a strong root system before vegetative growth begins.

III. Planting Fruit Tree Saplings

January is the "Golden Window" for planting deciduous trees (stone fruits, pome fruits, vines, figs, and pomegranates). Trees are in deep dormancy, which allows them to withstand transport and planting without physiological stress, provided the ground is not waterlogged or frozen.

IV. Associated Technical Operations

• Winter Pruning: This is the primary time for pruning most fruit trees and grapevines.

• Winter Spraying: Commencing preventive spraying with winter oils and copper compounds to eliminate dormant insect eggs and fungal spores.

The Gist: January is the month of "Foundation." The trees and legumes you plant now will develop strong roots capable of facing the coming summer drought

For more specialized guidance and field updates, we invite you to follow the Syrian Agricultural Guide issued by the Specialized Evidence Center - Al-Motamayez Team, brought to you through national efforts and expertise, and sponsored by:

• Damascus and its Countryside Chamber of Agriculture.

• Aleppo Chamber of Agriculture.

• Daraa Chamber of Agriculture.