What to plant in January in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts (MA), January sits about 14 weeks before the average last frost (April 24). The state averages 173 frost-free days a year (last frost April 24, first frost October 14; USDA zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Massachusetts frost dates (last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 14). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in January (1)
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 30 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 30 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Massachusetts
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Massachusetts: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: January garden jobs in Massachusetts
- Order seed while stock is good. Massachusetts's average last frost is April 24, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 30 - 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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. 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 Massachusetts in January?
1 crops have a window in January: celeriac. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Massachusetts in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Massachusetts the next tomato window opens around February 27: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Massachusetts in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Massachusetts the next lettuce window opens around March 20: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Massachusetts?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 14 and the last spring frost around April 24. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in January in Massachusetts?
Celeriac (Jan 30 – Feb 13).
What to plant in January in other states
Dates are computed from Massachusetts’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.