What to Plant in January
USDA Zone 10a
Last frost: Jan 15 – Feb 1
Frost-free days: 300–365
Mild winters mean you can still direct sow cool-season crops outdoors. Start planning spring plantings and get warm-season seeds organized.
January at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Mint
Lemongrass
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Lettuce
Spinach
Peas
Cucumbers
Summer Squash
Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Potatoes
Watermelon
Okra
Tropical Crops
Start Indoors 4
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Plant now
Watermelon
Jan 15–22
¼ per sq ft
70–90 days
Okra
Jan 15–22
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Later this month
Cucumbers
Dec 15 – Jan 15
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
Dec 15 – Jan 15
Transplant 11
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Plant now
Basil
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Rosemary
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Oregano
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Lemongrass
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Tropical Crops
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Tomatoes
Jan 15 – Mar 1
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Peppers
Jan 15 – Mar 1
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Eggplant
Jan 15 – Mar 1
1 per sq ft
70–90 days
Later this month
Lettuce
Oct 1 – Feb 1
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Direct Sow 10
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Basil
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Potatoes
Jan 1 – Feb 15
1 per sq ft
70–150 days
Tropical Crops
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Later this month
Carrots
Sep 15 – Mar 1
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Lettuce
Oct 1 – Feb 1
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Spinach
Oct 1 – Jan 15
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
Beets
Oct 1 – Feb 1
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Radishes
Oct 1 – Mar 1
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Peas
Oct 15 – Jan 1
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
January Gardening Tips
- Start Watermelon, Okra, Cucumbers indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Lettuce, Eggplant, Basil can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Lettuce, Peas, Spinach straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Check seed starting supplies — grow lights, heat mats, and fresh seed-starting mix. Order seeds early for the best selection.
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