What to plant in January in Virginia
In Virginia (VA), January sits about 13 weeks before the average last frost (April 15). The state averages 188 frost-free days a year (last frost April 15, first frost October 20; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Virginia frost dates (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in Virginia.
Virginia 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.
Virginia: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in January (5)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
Planting dates for popular crops in Virginia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Virginia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: January garden jobs in Virginia
- Order seed while stock is good. Virginia's average last frost is April 15, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 21 - 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 Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 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 Virginia in January?
5 crops have a window in January: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Virginia in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Virginia the next tomato window opens around February 18: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Virginia in January?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Virginia the next lettuce window opens around March 11: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Virginia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 15. Virginia 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 Virginia?
Celeriac (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Celery (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Leek (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Onion (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Rosemary (Jan 28 – Feb 11).
What to plant in January in other states
Dates are computed from Virginia’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.