What to plant in January in District of Columbia
In District of Columbia (DC), January sits about 12 weeks before the average last frost (April 10). The state averages 198 frost-free days a year (last frost April 10, first frost October 25; USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a).
8 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from District of Columbia frost dates (last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, eggplant or tomato in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in January (8)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Celery | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Leek | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Onion | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Rosemary | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Parsley | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Shallot | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 30 |
Planting dates for popular crops in District of Columbia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for District of Columbia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: January garden jobs in District of Columbia
- Order seed while stock is good. District of Columbia's average last frost is April 10, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 16 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - January is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in District of Columbia in January?
8 crops have a window in January: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary, eggplant, parsley, shallot. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in District of Columbia in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In District of Columbia the next tomato window opens around February 13: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in District of Columbia in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In District of Columbia the next lettuce window opens around March 6: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in District of Columbia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in January in District of Columbia?
Celeriac (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Celery (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Leek (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Onion (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Rosemary (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Eggplant (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Parsley (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Shallot (Jan 30 – Feb 13).
What to plant in January in other states
Dates are computed from District of Columbia’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.