Gardening is a year-round hobby for many, and for those in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and 8, January is the perfect time to start planning for a bountiful spring harvest. While the cold of winter may have settled in, it doesn’t mean that your garden has to come to a standstill. January provides a great opportunity to begin sowing seeds indoors or in a greenhouse for later transplanting when the weather warms up. This early start can lead to stronger, more productive plants and a much more successful growing season.
In this article, we’ll explore the best seeds to start in January for Zones 7 and 8 and provide you with essential tips and strategies for getting the most out of this crucial early planting period.
Why Start Seeds in January?
Starting seeds early gives your plants a head start on the growing season. While it’s tempting to wait for warmer weather, starting seeds indoors in January allows you to grow robust seedlings that will be ready for transplanting as soon as the conditions are right. This is especially important for plants that have a longer growing season or need a little extra time to mature.
In Zones 7 and 8, the average last frost date typically falls between mid-April to early May, so getting a jump on the growing season by starting seeds indoors ensures that your plants will be mature enough to transplant once the soil temperature rises.
Top Seeds to Start in January for Zones 7 & 8
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best seeds to start indoors in January for your garden in Zones 7 and 8:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple of most home gardens, and starting them early is a great way to ensure a fruitful harvest. While tomatoes can be planted outdoors in the spring, they need a long growing season to fully mature. Starting your tomato seeds indoors in January gives them a solid head start, allowing them to grow into healthy seedlings that are ready to be transplanted after the last frost.
Tip: Use well-draining soil and keep your seedlings in a warm, sunny location. Tomato plants thrive in temperatures of 70-80°F during germination.
2. Peppers
Like tomatoes, peppers also need a longer growing season. Starting peppers indoors in January will help ensure they have enough time to mature before the summer heat sets in. From bell peppers to hot peppers, you can grow a wide variety in your garden by starting the seeds indoors during the winter.
Tip: Use a heat mat to maintain optimal soil temperature for germination (around 75-85°F), and provide plenty of light to keep your seedlings strong and healthy.
3. Onions
Onions are another excellent plant to start early. You can start onions from seeds or sets, and by sowing seeds indoors in January, you will have strong plants ready to transplant into your garden in spring. Onions can take several months to mature, so starting them early gives you a longer growing period to ensure a plentiful harvest.
Tip: Choose a well-drained seed-starting mix and keep your onion seedlings in a location with plenty of light. Thin them out as they grow to prevent overcrowding.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that does best when started indoors in January and then transplanted outside once the soil is workable. Starting broccoli indoors gives the plant enough time to mature before the warmer weather arrives, which ensures a healthy, early harvest.
Tip: Broccoli seeds should be sown in a rich, well-drained seed-starting mix. Provide them with 6-8 hours of light a day, either from a south-facing window or grow lights.
5. Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower is another cool-season vegetable that thrives when started indoors in January. This vegetable requires a slightly longer growing period than other crops, so starting early ensures that the plant has plenty of time to mature before the weather turns hot.
Tip: Keep cauliflower seedlings at around 60°F for optimal growth, and ensure they have enough light to prevent leggy growth.
6. Herbs
Starting herbs in January is an excellent way to have fresh herbs all year long. Many herbs, including basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme, can be started indoors in January and transplanted outside when the weather is right. Herbs thrive in well-draining soil and benefit from the extra attention that indoor growing provides during the winter months.
Tip: Place your herb seedlings in a sunny location, or use a grow light to ensure they receive the light they need for strong, healthy growth.
7. Lettuce and Greens
If you love fresh salad greens, starting lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens indoors in January is a great option. These cool-season crops grow quickly, and starting them early will allow you to transplant them outside as soon as the weather warms up a bit. Greens are typically more cold-tolerant than other crops, making them perfect for early planting.
Tip: Lettuce and other leafy greens grow best in cool temperatures. Provide your seedlings with plenty of light to encourage strong, leafy growth.
8. Cabbage
Cabbage is another cool-season vegetable that benefits from an early start. Starting cabbage indoors in January gives it enough time to mature before the hotter summer weather arrives. Cabbage seeds should be started 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, making January the perfect time to sow them.
Tip: Ensure your cabbage seedlings have plenty of light and are kept in a well-ventilated area to prevent diseases like dampening off.
9. Kale
Kale is a hardy, nutritious green that can withstand colder temperatures, making it an excellent choice for early planting. Starting kale indoors in January gives you an earlier harvest and allows you to transplant the seedlings outdoors once the weather is suitable.
Tip: Kale prefers cooler temperatures for growth, so keep it in a cool but sunny location until you’re ready to transplant it outdoors.
10. Chard
Swiss chard is another cool-season vegetable that grows well in early spring. By starting seeds indoors in January, you can have strong, healthy plants ready to go once the last frost has passed. Chard is a fast-growing, nutrient-dense crop that thrives in the early growing season.
Tip: Keep your chard seedlings in a bright location to prevent legginess and ensure healthy, vigorous growth.
Tips for Success When Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors requires some attention to detail, but with the right conditions, you can set your garden up for success. Here are some essential tips for starting seeds indoors:
- Use High-Quality Seed-Starting Mix: A well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix is essential for healthy seedlings. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too dense and may introduce diseases.
- Provide Adequate Light: Plants need light to grow, so make sure your seedlings are getting 12-16 hours of light per day. If you don’t have a sunny window, consider using grow lights to supplement natural light.
- Maintain Proper Temperature: Most seeds require a warm temperature for germination. Keep your seed trays in a location that stays between 65°F and 75°F, or use a heat mat for optimal results.
- Water Gently: Water your seedlings gently using a fine spray or mist to avoid disturbing the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent damping-off diseases.
- Thin Seedlings: Once your seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them out to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding. This will help your plants grow strong and healthy.
Conclusion
Starting seeds in January for Zones 7 and 8 can give you a tremendous head start on the growing season. By beginning your seedlings indoors, you provide them with the best chance to mature into strong, healthy plants that will thrive in your garden come spring. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, or herbs, getting a jump on the growing season ensures that you’ll have a bountiful harvest to enjoy. So, start those seeds, and get ready for a successful gardening year ahead!
Happy Gardening!