January isn’t typically considered gardening season throughout USDA Zone 7, but that doesn’t mean you have to twiddle your thumbs waiting for spring to come around. There is still plenty you can do to keep yourself busy.
While the ground may be frozen or soggy, there are still some cold-hardy vegetables, fruits, and herbs that can be planted outdoors. And for those with a bit more ambition…it’s a great time for starting seeds indoors for warm-season crops that can significantly extend the harvest later in the year.
Understanding Zone 7 Climate in January
January is usually the coldest month of the year throughout Zone 7. Temperatures in January hover around freezing, with expected lows ranging from 0°F to 10°F (-17.8°C to -12.2°C). Depending on where you are in Zone 7, you may see snowy weather. Frost is common and the ground may be frozen in some areas.
You’ve got some time before the last frost date, which is typically between late March and mid-April, depending on where you are in USDA zone 7 and, ultimately, what Mother Nature decides.
Pro tip – for a local look at your average last frost date, check out this interactive map from Climate.gov.
What to Plant in Zone 7 in January
There is a short list of plants that can be sown outdoors in January, but plenty of plants that would benefit from getting a 2-3 month head start by starting indoors. Below are the recommended vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers to start indoors and sow outdoors in January.
Prepping Your Spring Garden Indoors
This is going to be a great time to get some seedlings going indoors to be nice and strong when you’re ready to transplant outdoors. These are the plants I recommend starting indoors in January for Zone 7 gardens.
Fruits and Vegetables to Start Indoors In January
| Vegetables | Outdoor Transplanting Time |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Early April |
| Cauliflower | Early April |
| Celery | March/April |
| Onions | March/April |
| Parsley | February |
| Tomatoes | Late April/Early May |
| Peppers | Mid to late April |
| Eggplant | Mid to late April |
| Beets | February/March |
| Carrots | February/March |
| Bok choy | February |
| Radishes | February |
| Turnips | February |
Herbs to Start Indoors In January
| Herbs | Outdoor Transplanting Time |
|---|---|
| Chives | Late winter/early spring |
| Cilantro | Late winter/early spring |
| Dill | Late winter/early spring |
| Basil | Late winter/early spring |
| Oregano | Late winter/early spring |
| Rosemary | Late winter/early spring |
| Sage | Late winter/early spring |
| Thyme | Late winter/early spring |
Flowers to Start Indoors In January
| Flowers | Outdoor Transplanting Time |
|---|---|
| Marigolds | May/June |
| Zinnias | May/June |
| Cosmos | May/June |
| Alyssum | May/June |
| Celosia | May/June |
| Impatiens | May/June |
| Morning glory | May/June |
| Nasturtium | May/June |
| Sunflower | May/June |
| Black-eyed Susan | May/June |
| Lupine | May/June |
| Pinks (Dianthus) | May/June |
| Primrose | May/June |
| Shasta daisy | May/June |
What to Plant Outdoors in Zone 7
If you’re itching to get your garden shovel into the ground, there are still a few plants you can sow outdoors in January.
Vegetables to Plant Outdoors in January
- Root Vegetables:
- Beets: These root vegetables can tolerate cold temperatures and can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked.
- Carrots: Similar to beets, carrots can be planted outdoors in January.
- Parsnips: These root vegetables can be planted in January for a later harvest.
- Turnips: These root vegetables can be planted in January for a later harvest.
- Garlic: Plant garlic now for a harvest in mid-summer. Click here for more about when to plant garlic.
- Radishes: These fast-growing vegetables are a great addition to any garden.
- Leafy Greens:
- Swiss chard: This leafy green is a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be sown directly into the garden in January.
- Mustard greens: Add some spice to your meals with cold-hardy mustard greens.
- Kale: This cold-hardy leafy green can be planted in January.
- Collard greens: Another cold-hardy leafy green that can be planted in January.
- Other Vegetables:
- Asparagus: You won’t get to harvest any for 2-3 years, but they’ll continue to produce crops for over 15 years.
- Broccoli: If it has been a mild winter, January could be a good time to sow this outdoors.
- Kohlrabi: This unique vegetable, with its swollen stem, can be planted outdoors in January.
- Onion sets: Plant onion sets for an easy and reliable harvest.
- Peas: Enjoy fresh peas by sowing them directly into the ground. Remember to plant sweet corn in paired rows or blocks for good pollination.
Fruits to Plant Outdoors in January
January is a good time to plant berry bushes like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries because they are typically dormant during winter.
- Blackberries and Raspberries: Some of the most commonly planted berries in winter due to their ability to thrive in colder conditions.
- Blueberries: Look for varieties that are well-suited for Zone 7, such as the ‘Premier’ blueberry or the ‘Sunshine Blue’ blueberry.
- Strawberries: While some strawberry varieties are best planted in early spring, everbearing strawberries like the ‘Fort Laramie’ can be planted in January in Zone 7.
Herbs to Plant Outdoors in January
- Cilantro: A fast-growing herb that prefers cooler temperatures and tends to bolt (go to seed) in the heat of summer. Planting cilantro in January allows it to mature before the warmer weather gets to it.
- Dill: Similar to cilantro, dill thrives in cooler temperatures and can be directly sown outdoors in January, but it’s usually best to wait until after the last frost.
Flowers to Plant Outdoors in January
- Sweet Peas: In Zone 7, it’s best to sow sweet pea seeds in the fall to allow them to establish before winter. If you missed autumn sowing, you can plant them in late winter or early spring, as soon as the soil is workable.
- Poppies: Easy to plant in January, and can survive a light frost. Just sprinkle them in your garden and cover with a bit of dirt and water.
Gardening Tasks for January in Zone 7
There is always something that can keep you from being an idle gardener…
Planting:
- Start seeds indoors: This is a great time to start seeds for cool-weather crops like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, peas, and herbs.
- Plant bare-root plants: Many shrubs and perennials can be planted in January while they are dormant.
Maintenance:
- Clean up debris: Remove any fallen leaves, weeds, and dead plant material from your garden beds.
- Protect Plants from Frost: Keep your plants safe from a frost with row covers, frost blankets, or even DIY cloches.
- Prune dormant shrubs: Shape and remove damaged branches from shrubs that are dormant.
- Mulch perennials: Apply a layer of mulch around perennial plants to protect them from frost and conserve moisture.
- Prepare raised beds: If you have raised beds, add fresh soil and compost to prepare them for planting in the spring.
- Tool maintenance: Take some time to clean and sharpen your garden tools.
Planning:
- Create a garden plan: Take some time to plan out your garden layout for the upcoming season, considering the needs of different plants.
- Choose seeds and plants: Start researching and selecting the seeds and plants you want to grow this year.
- Join a gardening club or community: Connect with other gardeners in your area to learn tips, share ideas, and get support.
Wrapping Up
January in Zone 7 might be chilly, but it’s a month full of potential for the eager gardener. By starting seeds indoors and planting cold hardy crops outdoors when possible, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant and productive garden year. Remember, gardening is as much about planning and preparation as it is about planting and harvesting.
Let’s Make This a Great Gardening Year Together!
Have you started your seeds or planted anything this January? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Let’s grow together!
Happy Gardening!
Zone7Gardener is your go-to resource for all things gardening in USDA Hardiness Zone 7. Stay tuned for more tips, guides, and inspiration!
