Gardening in January (Zone 5)

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If you live in zone 5, gardening can start in January. I like to start some seeds indoors under a grow light and I also like to winter sow seeds outdoors. Now that the holidays are over, I like to think about and plan my garden for this year. It may seem too soon right now to start seeds but it can definitely be started in January in zone 5.

Start by collecting seeds that need a long time to grow or are cool season plants that will be ready before the last frost. Make sure to plan your garden space and include areas that might be used for different spring and summer plants. I am able to grow peas in the spring and then plant squashes in the same area because the peas will die back in the heat just in time for the squashes to take off.

Below are lists for both indoor and outdoor seeds to start. For more information on how to start seeds under grow lights or direct planting visit my seed starting guide.

Vegetables/ Herbs

• Onions
• Leeks
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Spinach
• Kale
• Chives
• Lettuces
• Swiss Chard

I have a 4 foot wide by 5 tier shelf with hanging grow lights on 3 of them. I usually have one shelf for close lighted seed starts and then move the plants down the shelves as they get bigger. The grow lights that I use are the 4ft long fluorescent lights to start the seeds and then move to the 4ft long LED lights as they get bigger.

The seeds I will be starting indoors are onions, spinach, chives, and lettuces from this list. My family and I eat a lot of salad greens. I love to be able to keep more fresh leaves in the house. As for the onions, I highly recommend starting them indoors and transplanting them after the danger of frost has passed.

The easiest way to start gardening in January is by planting seeds outside by winter sowing. I will mostly forget they are outside and only check on them every once in awhile. Here is a list you can start in January. Or there is a full monthly list on my winter sowing page.

As for direct sowing seeds into the garden outside, it will be too cold to plant in January unless you have a cold frame.

Vegetables/ Herbs

• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Kale
• Brussels Sprouts
• Peas
• Salvia (common sage)
• Oregano
• Cilantro

Flowers

• Hollyhock
• Bellfower
• Balloon Flower
• Bachelor Button (blue variety)
• Wild Foxglove
• Evening Primrose
• Columbine