What to plant in January in zone 10

Last chance in January

Basil (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Jan 9) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Jan 9) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Jan 9) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Jan 12) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Jan 16) · Shallot (plant in fall (after first frost), by Jan 5) · Garlic (plant in fall (after first frost), by Jan 12)

Sow or plant outdoors in January (85)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in January, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

For fall and winter harvests (2)

Sowings counted back from zone 10's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.

Start seeds indoors in January (26)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

Harvesting in January

First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.

Last-frost month: January garden jobs in zone 10

1. The average last frost is January 30. Hardy crops can go out now - mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
2. Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
3. Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
4. Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Zone 10 average is worked out.

Questions gardeners ask