What to plant in January

In zones 3–6, January is for indoor seed starting (onions, leeks, slow-growing herbs) and ordering seeds/bare-root plants before stock sells out. In zones 7–8, cool-season crops can go directly in the ground or under cover this month. In zones 9–11, a full cool-season planting is

January looks dormant from the outside. But if you garden in zones 7–11, there is planting to do right now. And if you garden anywhere in the US, January is the month to start planning and ordering — the seed racks in March will be picked over. Here's what to plant, start, and order by region.

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Before the first seed tray: check your frost dates

Every timing recommendation in this article is relative to last frost date (LFD). Per Oregon State Extension, "planting dates are meaningless without a last frost date as your anchor." Find your last frost date at your state extension service's planting calendar — links at /planting/.

January planting dates by zone:

• Zone 4–5: Last frost May 15–30. January is 4–5 months before LFD. Suitable for onions, leeks, celery started indoors.
• Zone 6: Last frost April 15–30. January is 3+ months before LFD. Start onions, leeks, slow herbs indoors.
• Zone 7: Last frost March 15–April 15 (varies). January is 6–14 weeks before LFD. Start onions, slow herbs indoors; plant peas, spinach, and kale outdoors late in the month in mild areas.
• Zone 8: Last frost Feb 15–March 15. January is 2–6 weeks before LFD. Direct sow cool-season crops outdoors; transplant leafy greens under frost protection.
• Zone 9–10: Last frost January–February. Cool-season crops are fully in season.
• Zone 11: No frost dates apply; planting is year-round, managed around heat rather than cold.