The January Blueprint: 5 Indoor Seeds to Start This Week

While the world outside remains blanketed in frost and the garden beds lie dormant, the most seasoned gardeners know that spring doesn’t begin in April—it begins right now. This is the essence of The January Blueprint. If you want a harvest that starts earlier and a flower garden that blooms more vibrantly than your neighbors', the secret lies in indoor seed starting during the first few weeks of the year.

Starting seeds early isn’t just about getting a head start; for many long-season crops and perennials, it is a biological necessity. These plants require a significant amount of time to develop strong root systems and foliage before they are ready to withstand the transition to the outdoor garden. By embracing these January gardening tips, you aren't just passing the time during winter; you are laying the foundation for a cozy, complete home garden that thrives from the very first thaw.

The January Five: What to Plant Right Now for Maximum Success

Choosing the right varieties to start in January is critical. If you start tomatoes now, they’ll be five feet tall and root-bound before the last frost. Instead, focus on these five slow-growers that actually benefit from an extra-long indoor residency.

1. Onions and Shallots

Unlike many vegetables, onions are photoperiodic, meaning their bulbing is triggered by day length. To get large, juicy bulbs, you need the plants to be as large as possible before the long days of summer arrive. Starting onion seeds in early January gives them the 10–12 weeks they need to reach a sturdy size before transplanting.

2. Leeks

Similar to onions, leeks have a very long growing season—some varieties take up to 150 days to mature. Starting them in January ensures they have the girth and strength to handle the spring soil.

3. Celery

Celery is notoriously slow to germinate and grow. It can take up to 3 weeks just to see a sprout! Giving celery a January start is the only way to ensure a harvest before the heat of late summer makes the stalks bitter.

4. Perennial Flowers (Lavender, Foxglove, Echinacea)

Many perennials started from seed will not bloom in their first year unless they are started very early. By getting these in the soil now, you trick the plant into a full growth cycle, often rewarding you with flowers in late summer of the same year.

5. Hardy Herbs (Rosemary and Thyme)

These woody herbs grow at a snail's pace in their infancy. A January start ensures you have established, fragrant bushes ready to go into your kitchen garden by May.