12 Best Things to Plant and Grow in January

When it comes to the best things to plant and grow in January, there may not be as many fruits and vegetables to pick from as there are a few months later in the year, but there are still quite a few plants you can choose from.

From vegetables and fruits to herbs and flowers, our list covers them all.

Read on below and discover why these are the 12 best things to plant and grow in January!

Top 3 Best Vegetables to Plant and Grow in January

1. Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens (and other leafy green veggies like lettuce and spinach) are among the most popular things to plant and grow in January. But, when deciding to plant mustard, you need to consider the variety of the plant as well as the temperature.

The lowest temperature that the mustard plant can withstand is 23 degrees Fahrenheit. That means, these greens may or may not be ideal in your neck of the woods this winter.

For it to grow well, it is enough for the air to heat up to at least 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit. It is difficult to say how much water the mustard needs. The frequency of watering depends directly on how the mustard grows.

Usually, the mustard plant needs 2 inches of water per week. In a month, it should be about 3.93 inches taller. If the plant is weak and does not grow as expected or does not want to sprout, then you will need to water it every day.

Until the plant germinates, the container should be kept in a cool, dark place. The mustard plant needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. In 2 months the plant grows to just under 8 inches tall.

2. Leeks

Leek is another popular vegetable to plant and grow in January that is very similar to onion plants. It takes 100 to 150 days from planting to harvesting. Leek seeds germinate starting with temperatures just over 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The minimum temperature from which leeks are affected by frost is 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leek is a long day plant (about 14 hours) in terms of photoperiod. Leek is a species with a temperament of light (sun) and partial shade.

It is also a crop with high demands on soil moisture, preferring reclaimed soils. Sprinkler irrigation is almost mandatory for leek cultivation on a large scale.

Leeks require about 1 inch of water per week. It reaches a height of between 15.74 and 23.62 inches.

3. Peas (or Beans)

In January, whether in a greenhouse or outside in the soil, peas are one of the first veggies to consider planting for late winter or early spring garden.

Garden peas are a cold seasonal crop that does not tolerate the heat and humidity of summer but withstands light frosts. For this reason, pea seeds are planted very early, in winter or spring, as soon as the land can be worked.

Soil temperature is also important. At a depth of three-quarters of an inch, it is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Peas are the first crop you can plant directly outside, from seed, and will germinate in the soil at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

The early planter makes the peas tender and does not rot, guaranteeing tender and tasty crops.

As for watering, it is good not to rely only on rainfall but to do it at least once a week. Peas need at least 1 inch of water a week. During the flowering period, it is good to water the soil at least twice a week, preferably in the evening.

Loving the cold, peas need about 4 to 5 hours of sunlight a day. Peas can be harvested 60 to 70 days after planting.

Top 3 Best Herbs to Plant and Grow in January

1. Basil

Basil is the most popular herb to grow in January with many gardeners.

To grow basil in pots, you need a few seeds, a pot with a diameter of 5.5 to 11 inches, which has a hole at the bottom, to allow water to drain, and suitable soil, well-drained, which you can buy from a florist.

Therefore, the first step is to fill the pot with soil in a proportion of three-quarters. Then water the soil, but not excessively. Next, sprinkle a few seeds on the surface of the soil, leaving 1 to 2 inches apart, and cover with a quarter-inch layer of soil.

To ensure the necessary humidity, it is recommended to use a spraying device. Basil requires about 1 inch of water per week.

After a week, the seeds begin to germinate, provided the soil is kept permanently moist and the temperature is constant, at a value of about 77 to 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not put the pot in direct sunlight, but keep it in bright, well-ventilated rooms. It needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.

Basil is not the most resistant plant. It needs so much water, and light, but also heat to grow without problems. In winter you have to be careful because, in the low temperatures, the basil bush will dry out.

Place the pot in rooms where the temperature does not fall below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you grow it on the balcony, we recommend that you move it inside on cold days.

Basil can be harvested 3 to 4 weeks after planting.

2. Parsley

Parsley is a biennial plant (it lives two years). In the first year, parsley plants form their roots and rosette of leaves and in the second year, the flower stalks appear and form seeds.

Parsley plants are unpretentious to heat, which is why they are grown in the winter in a cold solarium.

Parsley seeds germinate starting at 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit (it takes 30 days to germinate). Optimal germination temperatures are 59 degrees Fahrenheit (germinate in 15 days). These plants prefer temperatures in the range of 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

The minimum physiological temperature supported is 23 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The underground part of the parsley leaves withstands atmospheric temperatures of -4 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.

Parsley is a light-loving plant, but it develops its aerial part (leaves) well, even in conditions of weaker light and a shorter day in winter. However, the aroma of the leaves in plants grown in winter will be slightly lower compared to plants grown in the sun in summer.

Parsley requires about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. It also has high requirements for soil moisture and prefers wet soils to develop a rich foliage apparatus.

Parsley needs at least 1 to 2 inches of water a week. It takes between 70 to 90 days after planting for the parsley to be harvested.

3. Cilantro

Cilantro is another extremely popular and common-sense thing to plant and grow in January.

Before you grow cilantro in pots though, you need to know that it does not transplant well. So, It is best to start with seeds.

It is very important to make sure that the pot in which you are going to grow cilantro is properly ventilated, as it allows moisture and air to pass through the roots. Cilantro requires about 1 inch of water per week.

It is very important that the cilantro plant has full access to sunlight for 4 to 5 hours a day.

Being a plant of the cold season, cilantro feels best at temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cilantro is ready to be harvested 40 to 75 days after planting.

Top 3 Best Fruits to Plant and Grow in January

1. Peach Trees

When January rolls around, and it’s not quite time for a spring garden, but you feel the pull to be outside getting your hands and pants dirty, consider planting some peach trees.

Peach trees grow best in open areas, where the sun shines brightly throughout the crown. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. For planting trees you should choose the garden areas facing south, west, or southwest.

Avoid planting peaches near tall trees, as part of the seedling crown will always remain in the shade, which can adversely affect crop productivity and health.

Peach trees are a species with high heat requirements. It grows and develops in areas with an average annual temperature of 50 to 52.7 grade Fahrenheit. In winter it can withstand temperatures of -11.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

The buds withstand temperatures of 24.98 degrees Fahrenheit, and the flowers abort at temperatures below 26.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Excess water from the soil, even for short periods, is harmful to peaches, causing root suffocation. The high humidity in the air favors the installation of diseases, and the winter fog amplifies the negative effects of frost.

Peaches need 35 to 40 gallons of water daily. They need 3 to 4 years from planting to be harvested.

2. Pear Trees

January is also a good time to plant pear trees or tend to pear trees that are already growing in your yard or garden.

Keep in mind that, in winter, the pears should be grown in the sun. Pears need about 6 hours of sunlight a day. For quality production, pears need at least one inch of water per week. Usually, pears love a cold and humid climate.

Those in agriculture say that pears need about 400 to 800 hours of cold, which means temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, to grow harmoniously and to bear good fruit.

From the moment the pears start to bear fruit, the harvest will take between 115 and 160 days. Not so long to wait for such a delicious fruit.

3. Nectarine Trees

Another perfect fruit tree for planting and growing in January is the nectarine tree.

Nectarines only need approximately 6 hours of sunlight a day, allowing you to plant them just about anywhere in your yard or garden.

A very important aspect of their growth in the sun is watering. Nectarines love water, but not in excess. It is preferable that they be watered once every 10 days or a maximum of two weeks, not exceeding one gallon of water.

To grow harmoniously, nectarines require low temperatures, up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nectarines are ready to give you fruit ready to harvest 2 to 4 years after planting.

From the moment the flowers are pollinated, the fruit harvest lasts up to 3 to 4 months.

Top 3 Best Flowers to Plant and Grow in January

1. Narcissus

Growing narcissus in pots is much easier than some flower-growing gardeners would have you believe. Just follow a few basic rules and they’re no harder to grow than the next blooming species of plant

One of the first secrets to growing narcissus on a windowsill is to avoid placing them next to other species of flowers.

The first watering is done after planting. During the rooting period, watering should be very moderate – every two weeks.

After the dishes are transferred to the room, you can water them more often as the soil dries. It is best to do this with water at room temperature and in a tray. Narcissus needs 1 inch of water weekly.

The optimum temperature for these beautiful flowers is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the first 3 weeks, it is necessary to protect the narcissus from the direct rays of the sun.

After this period, narcissus should receive about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. It takes about 3 months for narcissus to bloom from the time of planting.

2. Snapdragons

If you’re looking for something different, among the types of flowers normally planted and grown in January, why not consider growing snapdragons?

The snapdragons bloom profusely when the flower is in the sun, but also in partially shaded places. They need about 10-12 hours of sunlight a day.

The snapdragon is a flower that likes water. Try to keep the flower as moist as possible for the first few weeks. Pour water near the stem of the plant and avoid watering the top of the plant because this will keep it healthy. The snapdragons need about 1 inch of water a week.

The snapdragons need low temperatures. To grow faster, the optimum daytime temperature for the flower is around 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the flowers have stabilized in the soil, the plants can withstand even frost. It takes 2 to 3 months from the time of planting for the flower to bloom.

3. Snowdrops

Snowdrop is a perennial plant with bulbs, which is also very suitable for potting in addition to growing outside in flowerbeds.

Growing snowdrops in pots are quite easy, and to guarantee their flowering, a period with low temperatures of 37 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary.

Snowdrops withstand temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but not more than -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is recommended to plant your snowdrops in a shady place, as they prefer no more and no less than 6 hours of sunlight per day.

If precipitation is lacking, you may need to water the snowdrops. They need 1 to 2 inches of water a week. It takes about 2 months from the time of planting for the snowdrops to bloom.

A Final Word About the Best Things to Plant and Grow in January

When it comes to things for planting and growing this January, you can’t go wrong picking any of the items on our list!

But, now that you know our top picks for the best stuff to plant and grow this January, we’d like to know yours! Also, you may want to have a look at our list of plants to grow in the spring, or winter, depending on what January weather is like and where your garden is located!

So, in the comments section below, let us know what you’re plating, growing, or plan on planting or growing this winter (don’t worry, we don’t need your email, FB, DNA, or a blood test for you to leave a comment on our site – you don’t even need to sign up)!

Suggested Reading: 12 Best Things to Plant and Grow in March