What to plant in January in New Mexico
In New Mexico (NM), January sits about 14 weeks before the average last frost (April 20). The state averages 183 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 20; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from New Mexico frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in New Mexico.
New Mexico covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
New Mexico: 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 26 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 26 |
Planting dates for popular crops in New Mexico
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Mexico: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: January garden jobs in New Mexico
- Order seed while stock is good. New Mexico's average last frost is April 20, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 26 - 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 New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a. 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New Mexico the next tomato window opens around February 23: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Mexico in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New Mexico the next lettuce window opens around March 16: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in New Mexico?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 20. New Mexico covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in January in New Mexico?
Celeriac (Jan 26 – Feb 9).
What to plant in January in other states
Dates are computed from New Mexico’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.