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January might seem quiet in the garden, but it’s actually the perfect time to kick off your planting plans for the year.

I love using this month to get a head start, whether that means cozying up with a heated propagator or just clearing a sunny spot on the windowsill.

Starting seeds indoors now gives me something to look forward to and sets my garden up for a strong, healthy start once spring arrives.

Here are the best seeds to get started in January.

For more tips on growing from seed, check out my guides:

How Long Does it Take for Seeds to Germinate?

How Often to Water Seedlings

tray of seeds sowing in january — Let the seed sowing begin!

Why January is a Great Time to Start Seeds

Starting seeds in January feels like giving yourself and your plants a head start on the year—it’s such a satisfying way to beat the post-holiday lull.

For vegetables like onions or Swiss chard, it means they’ll be strong and ready to hit the ground running when the warmer weather finally rolls around.

If you’re like me and love early blooms, flowers such as sweet peas and snapdragons are perfect to sow now.

And for the kitchen?

Herbs like basil and cilantro are easy to start indoors, giving you fresh, organic leaves to liven up winter meals.

The best part is, there’s no rush.

Starting seeds in January lets you work at your own pace, focusing on germination and helping those tiny sprouts grow strong and healthy.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of spotting the first green shoots pushing through the soil—especially when it’s cold and gray outside.

For me, it’s the little reminder that spring is on its way, and all the planning and effort now will pay off in a big way when the growing season kicks into full swing.

Learn more about growing from seed with my guides:

When to Plant Wildflower Seeds

The Best Time to Plant Sunflowers

seed trays and pots with seeds to sow in january

Vegetables to Start in January

If you’re looking to get a jump on your vegetable garden, January is the perfect month to sow seeds indoors.

Here are some tried-and-true options:

Lettuce:

Varieties like butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf are great choices.

Sow the seeds in shallow trays filled with well-draining soil.

Keep the trays in a bright spot, like a sunny windowsill or under grow lights, and maintain consistent moisture.

For more tips on growing lettuce, check out my guide: Growing Lettuce in Containers: A Beginner's Guide.

Here is the lettuce variety I recommend growing:

Spinach:

This hardy green thrives in cooler conditions.

Sow spinach seeds in seed trays and place them in a cool room with indirect sunlight.

Transplant the seedlings outdoors when the weather allows, or grow them in pots for continuous harvesting.

Here is the spinach variety I recommend growing:

Kale:

Another hardy leafy green, kale can be started indoors in January and transplanted into the garden later.

Use deep seed trays to give the roots plenty of room to grow.

Here is the kale variety I recommend:

Onion Seeds:

Onions are a staple for any vegetable garden.

Starting them indoors in seed trays or a heated propagator gives them plenty of time to develop strong roots before they’re transplanted.

Here is the onion variety I recommend:

Swiss Chard:

Swiss chard is a versatile and hardy vegetable and is a favorite of mine.

It’s super easy to grow indoors and thrives when started early.

Once it’s ready to move outside, it’ll reward you with colorful, nutrient-packed leaves for months.

Swiss chard greens are easy to grow, making them a perfect addition to your early gardening efforts.

Here is the Swiss chard variety I recommend:

For more tips on growing from seed, check out my guides:

Growing Lavender from Seed: The Easiest Ways

Growing Thyme from Seed

herbs that were sown in january for herb garden — By sowing seeds early, you are well on your way to a flourishing spring garden.

Herbs to Start in January

If you’re looking to enjoy fresh herbs even in the middle of winter, January is a great time to start.

Here’s how to get the best results:

Basil:

Basil is a heat-loving herb thrives in warm conditions, so place its seed tray on a sunny kitchen windowsill.

Keep the soil slightly moist, and you’ll have fragrant leaves ready to harvest in just a few weeks.

Here is the basil variety I recommend:

Parsley:

A bit more forgiving, parsley seeds germinate well with consistent moisture and indirect sunlight.

It’s slow to sprout, so be patient—the payoff is worth it.

Here is the parsley variety I recommend:

Cilantro:

Best sown in cool conditions, cilantro does well in a spot that gets morning sun but stays shaded in the afternoon.

Sow in succession every few weeks for a continuous cilantro harvest.

Here is the cilantro variety I recommend:

For more seed-growing tips, check out my guides:

When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How to Grow Hostas from Seed

cosmos seeds planted in january — Cosmos seedlings.

Flowers to Sow in January

January is a wonderful time to get a jump on your flower garden.

Starting flower seeds indoors this month ensures you’ll have strong, healthy plants ready to bloom when the warmer weather rolls in.

Here are some top picks to consider:

Sweet Peas:

Known for their amazing fragrance and colors, sweet peas are a must-grow.

Sow them in seed trays and keep them in a cool location, such as an unheated greenhouse or a cold frame.

Once they establish, these blooms are perfect for cut flower gardens.

For more tips on growing sweet peas, check out my guide: Sweet Peas: When to Plant Seeds.

Here is the sweet pea variety I recommend:

Echinacea:

These pollinator favorites are hardy and beautiful.

Start echinacea seeds in a warm spot with good light, and make sure they have ample room to develop deep roots.

By spring, they’ll be ready to attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

For more growing tips, check out my guide: Growing Echinacea from Seed.

Here is the echinacea variety I recommend:

Calendula:

Sometimes called pot marigolds, calendulas are cheerful flowers that can brighten up any space.

They’re hardy and easy to grow indoors, preferring a cool environment and well-draining soil.

To learn more, check out my guide: The Easiest Way to Grow Calendula from Seed.

Here is the calendula variety I recommend:

Pansies:

Ideal for winter and early spring color, pansies are cold-tolerant and thrive when started indoors.

Use shallow seed trays and place them in a sunny windowsill to get the best results.

Here is the variety I recommend:

Cosmos:

These tall, delicate flowers are really easy to grow.

Start cosmos seeds in seed trays on a warm windowsill, ensuring they get plenty of light.

To learn more, check out my guide: Container Cosmos: How to Grow Cosmos in Small Spaces.

Here is the variety I recommend:

Snapdragons:

Known for their vibrant spikes of color, snapdragons are a garden classic.

Start these seeds indoors in trays with a fine, moist soil mix.

Keep them in a sunny spot, and you’ll have sturdy plants ready to transplant when spring arrives.

Here is the variety I recommend:

For more flowers to grow from seed, check out my guides:

Growing Nasturtium Flowers: From Seed to Bloom

Easy Flowers to Grow from Seed

seed trays in rows in greenhouse — Seeds sown and ready to sprout.

Tools and Tips for Seed Starting in January

Starting seeds in January is all about creating the right conditions for success.

Here are some essential tools to ensure your efforts pay off:

Heated Propagators:

These devices maintain a consistent, warm environment, which is crucial for germinating seeds like tomatoes and peppers.

They’re especially helpful if you’re in a cooler climate or starting seeds that require higher temperatures.

Check out my guide: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Electric Propagators.

Sunny or Warm Windowsills:

If you don’t have a propagator, a bright windowsill works wonders.

Choose a spot with plenty of natural light, but avoid areas with drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.

Cold Frames:

These are great for hardier seeds like spinach or kale.

They offer a sheltered outdoor environment, helping young seedlings adapt to cooler temperatures before moving them to the garden.

Seed Trays and Organic Soil:

Invest in high-quality seed trays to ensure proper drainage and growth.

Pair them with organic seed-starting soil that’s light and airy, promoting healthy root development.

Check out my guide: The Best Seed Starting Mix.

Here are the seed trays and soil I recommend:

Grow Lights:

In regions with shorter daylight hours, grow lights can be a lifesaver.

Position them close to the seedlings (but not too close to avoid overheating) to mimic natural sunlight.

Humidity Domes:

These clear covers help retain moisture and create a mini-greenhouse effect, which speeds up germination and protects delicate seedlings from drying out.

Labeling:

It’s easy to mix up your trays, so make a habit of labeling everything you sow.

Use waterproof markers or reusable tags to keep things organized.

Watering Wisely:

Overwatering is a common mistake.

Use a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine nozzle to gently moisten the soil without drenching it.

For more tips, check out my guides:

The Best Gardening Books for Beginners

The Best Gardening Tool Sets for Every Gardener

handful of sweet pea seeds — Sweet pea seeds.

Is January Too Early to Start Certain Seeds in My Region?

Knowing whether January is too early to start certain seeds depends on your local climate and growing conditions.

Here’s how to figure it out:

Check Frost Dates:

Look up your region’s last expected frost date.

The Farmer’s Almanac site is a great resource.

Just put in your zip code to determine the estimated last frost date.

Many seeds need to be started indoors a specific number of weeks before transplanting outside.

Starting too early could lead to leggy plants if they’re kept indoors too long.

Understanding your local conditions ensures you’re not jumping the gun and that your plants are ready to thrive when the growing season kicks into full swing.

For example:

Zone 9: With its mild winters, you can sow seeds like carrots and radishes directly outdoors.
Australia: Perfect for summer vegetables like beans and cucumbers.
India: Focus on winter-friendly crops such as spinach.

For more ideas, check out my guide:

20 Easy to Grow Drought Tolerant Annuals

Quick FAQs

What vegetable seeds can I sow in January?

You can sow onion seeds, Swiss chard, lettuce, and leafy greens indoors in January.

For warmer regions, consider direct sowing carrots or radishes outdoors.

Can I plant flower seeds in January?

Yes! Sweet peas, cosmos, and hardy annuals like calendulas are great choices for January seed starting.

What tools do I need to start seeds indoors?

A heated propagator, seed trays, and organic soil are ideal.

If you don’t have a propagator, a warm, sunny windowsill will do the trick.

Is January a good time to start herbs?

Definitely.

Basil, parsley, and cilantro grow well indoors during winter, making them perfect for January sowing.

Can I sow seeds outdoors in January?

If you’re in a mild climate or using a cold frame, some hardy vegetables like radishes and spinach can be sown directly outdoors.

What are the best seeds to sow in January in Zone 9?

For Zone 9, consider planting carrots, radishes, and leafy greens outdoors.

Indoors, you can start tomatoes and peppers to transplant later.

For more tips, check out my guides:

Flowers That Attract Ladybugs For Natural Pest Control

Plants That Deter Cats: A Natural Solution to Keep Cats at Bay

Wrap-Up

Starting seeds in January is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful gardening year.

Whether you’re growing leafy greens, flowers, or herbs, giving your plants a head start indoors ensures strong, healthy growth when it’s time to move them outside.

With the right tools and a little patience, you’ll be well on your way to a flourishing garden.

For me, January seed-starting isn’t just about planning for spring—it’s about staying connected to my kitchen garden during the quieter winter months.

Seeing those first seedlings emerge is a reminder that growth is always happening, even when it feels like the garden is at rest.

So grab those seed trays, find a sunny windowsill, and get growing!