January Gardening Tasks: What to Plant and Protect
Though January is usually one of our coldest months, there is still plenty to do in the garden. It’s the perfect time to buy and plant bare-root roses, berries, and fruit trees. Pruning of deciduous fruit trees and vines should also be done.
There are a variety of flowers and vegetables that thrive in cool weather. Keep in mind that plants started from seed might take longer to germinate than they would in warmer weather.
If there is rain, wait four to seven days before planting in the ground. The soil should be moist but never soggy. When you must wait to plant because of wet weather, store bare-root plants in a cool location and keep the root ball moist.
Keep an ear open for frost warnings. Tender plants in containers should be moved to the safety of a garage, under the eaves of a house, or under a large tree. To protect plants in the ground, create a tent over them. Simply laying materials such as sheets on the plants will not provide adequate frost protection. Always remove protective coverings in the morning.
Windy weather is also a problem. When the Santa Anas blow, make sure to keep plants well watered. Additionally, spray plant leaves and nearby hardscape with water to raise the humidity level, helping plants cope with the dry air.
Flowers to Plant in January
Here’s a list of flowers that can be grown from seed or starter plants:
- Alyssum
- Bachelor’s button
- Bromeliad
- Cactus
- Calendula
- California poppy
- Candytuft
- Carnation
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- Delphinium
- English primrose
- Foxglove
- Fuchsia
- Geranium
- Iceland poppy
- Impatiens
- Flowering kale
- Kalanchoe
- Larkspur
- Lupine
- Nasturtium
- Nemesia
- Pansy
- Salvia
- Schizanthus
Vegetables and Herbs to Grow
These vegetables and herbs thrive in cooler temperatures:
- Arugula
- Beet
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Collards
- Cress
- Dill
- Endive
- Garlic
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leek
- Lettuce
- Mint
- Mustard greens
- Onion
- Parsley
- Parsnip
- Pea
- Potato
- Radish
- Rhubarb
- Rutabaga
- Salsify
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Turnip
Trees and Shrubs
These trees and shrubs are great to plant in January:
- Azalea
- Boronia
- Camellia
- Euryops
- Montanoa grandiflora
Bare-Root Plants to Consider
Consider planting these bare-root varieties:
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Berries
- Grape
- Flowering trees
- Fruit trees
- Rose
- Shade trees
- Strawberry
