January might feel like the middle of winter, but it’s a great time to start planting certain vegetables, especially if you want to get a head start on the growing season. Depending on your location and whether you’re planting indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse, here are the best vegetables to plant in January, broken down into categories for your convenience.
Indoors (for later transplanting)
Starting seeds indoors is a fantastic way to prepare for the growing season, especially if you live in a cold climate. Here are the top vegetables to plant indoors in January:
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are best started indoors in seed trays filled with seed compost. Keep them in a warm spot with a temperature between 18-24°C (65-75°F) and ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Once they germinate, provide bright light to prevent them from becoming leggy. As they grow, transplant them into larger pots when they develop 2-3 sets of true leaves. - Peppers (Bell peppers, chili peppers)
Peppers thrive when started in seed trays or pots filled with seed compost. They need warmth to germinate, so keep the temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the growing medium consistently moist. Bottom heat can speed up germination, and the seedlings should be hardened off before moving outdoors. - Eggplants
Eggplants require warmth to germinate, so sow their seeds in small pots with seed compost and place them in a warm location (21-27°C/70-80°F). They grow best with consistent heat, so using a heated propagator can help. Once they’re strong enough, transplant them into larger pots before eventually planting them outdoors. - Leeks
Leeks are easy to start indoors in trays or pots filled with compost. Place them in a cool, bright area with temperatures around 13-16°C (55-60°F). Keep the compost moist and thin the seedlings as they grow. When they reach pencil thickness, they’re ready to be transplanted outdoors. - Onions
Onions can be started indoors by sowing seeds thinly in trays of seed compost. Keep the compost moist and ensure the trays are placed in a bright area. Onions prefer cool conditions, so avoid overly warm spots to prevent leggy growth. Transplant them outdoors when the seedlings are strong enough. - Herbs (Basil, parsley, cilantro)
Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro can be sown indoors in pots or trays of compost. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the compost moist. Basil prefers warmth and bright light, while parsley and cilantro can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them versatile options for January planting.
Outdoors (mild climates or under protection, e.g., cloches)
If you live in a region with mild winters or have ways to protect your plants (like using cloches or fleece), consider planting these vegetables outdoors in January:
- Garlic (if not already planted in autumn)
Garlic cloves should be planted pointed side up, 2-3 inches deep, and spaced about 6 inches apart in well-drained soil. Garlic thrives in sunny spots, so choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent rot. - Onion sets
Onion sets are easy to plant outdoors. Push them gently into the soil, leaving just the tips visible, and space them about 4 inches apart. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weeds and retain moisture, ensuring healthy growth. - Broad beans
Broad beans are hardy and can be sown directly into the soil in January. Plant the seeds 2 inches deep and 8 inches apart. Using cloches or fleece can help protect the plants from frost, giving them a strong start. - Peas
Peas can be sown in trenches outdoors or started in modules for later transplanting. Plant them 2 inches apart in well-prepared soil. Provide netting or supports as they grow to keep the plants upright and healthy. - Spinach
Spinach seeds can be sown thinly in rows and covered lightly with soil. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist to encourage germination. Harvest the leaves regularly to promote new growth and prevent the plants from bolting. - Winter lettuce
Winter lettuce can be sown under cloches or in a cold frame. Space the plants about 6 inches apart to allow for healthy growth. Choose hardy varieties suited to colder weather for the best results.
Greenhouse
A greenhouse provides the perfect environment for growing vegetables during the winter. Here’s what you can plant in January:
- Radishes
Radishes grow quickly in greenhouse conditions. Sow the seeds directly in trays or beds and thin the seedlings as they grow to ensure proper spacing. Regular watering will prevent the roots from splitting. - Carrots (early varieties)
Early varieties of carrots can be sown thinly in deep containers or directly in greenhouse beds. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Ensure the greenhouse gets plenty of light to promote healthy growth. - Spinach
Spinach thrives in a greenhouse environment, benefiting from the added warmth. Sow the seeds as you would outdoors and enjoy faster growth under greenhouse conditions. Keep the soil moist and harvest leaves regularly. - Lettuce
Lettuce grows well in greenhouse trays or beds. Sow the seeds thinly, and as the seedlings grow, thin them to prevent overcrowding. Proper ventilation is crucial to avoid mold or mildew. - Mustard greens
Mustard greens are easy to grow in a greenhouse. Sow the seeds directly in trays or beds, covering them lightly with soil. Harvest the leaves when they’re young for the best flavor. - Mizuna
Mizuna is similar to mustard greens and thrives in greenhouse conditions. Sow the seeds in rows, and thin the seedlings as they grow. It’s ideal for salads and stir-fries, offering a mild, peppery flavor.
Perennials
January is also a good time to plant certain perennial crops, provided the ground isn’t frozen:
- Asparagus crowns
Asparagus crowns should be planted in trenches about 8 inches deep. Spread out the roots and cover them lightly with soil. Avoid harvesting in the first year to allow the plants to establish strong roots. - Rhubarb crowns
Rhubarb crowns are best planted in well-drained soil with the buds just above ground level. Mulching heavily around the crowns will protect them from frost and help retain moisture.
Under Heated Propagation (to get a head start)
- Chili peppers
Chili pepper seeds need warmth to germinate, so start them in heated propagators. Keep the soil moist and provide ample light to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy. - Aubergines (Eggplants)
Aubergines thrive in heated conditions. Sow the seeds in trays and keep them warm and humid. Once germinated, ensure they get plenty of light to grow strong and healthy. - Celery
Celery seeds can be sown thinly in trays and kept in a warm, moist environment. Thin the seedlings as they grow and transplant them into larger pots when they’re strong enough. - Celeriac
Celeriac seeds need warmth to germinate. Sow them in seed trays and thin the seedlings as they grow. Transplant them into larger pots when necessary, ensuring they have plenty of space. - Kale
Kale can be started early under heated conditions. Sow the seeds in trays or pots and keep them warm with bright light. Harden off the plants before moving them outdoors when the weather improves.
Additional Tips for January Planting
- Check your hardiness zone: Knowing your local climate is crucial to determine what you can plant in January.
- Use protective covers: Cloches, fleece, or cold frames can protect seedlings and extend your growing season.
- Prepare garden beds: Enrich the soil with compost or manure to ensure it’s ready for early spring planting.
By choosing the right vegetables and planting methods, January can be the perfect time to set the stage for a productive growing season. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors, planting outdoors with protection, or using a greenhouse, there’s plenty to keep your green thumb busy this winter!
