January on the homestead is quiet—but if you have a greenhouse, it’s also full of possibility.
While the garden beds outside are resting, January is the month when some of your most successful crops of the year quietly begin. With a year-round greenhouse here in Virginia, this is the perfect time to start seeds that benefit from a long, slow growing season and cool conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered what should I actually be planting right now?—this post is your January greenhouse seed-starting guide.
Why January Seed Starting Matters
Not all plants want a fast start. Some crops—especially cold-tolerant vegetables—need extra time to develop strong roots and leafy growth before spring arrives.
Starting the right seeds in January means:
- Stronger transplants in early spring
- Earlier harvests
- Less stress on plants later in the season
- Bigger yields for crops like onions and brassicas
This is one of those homesteading tasks that doesn’t look exciting now—but pays off months later.
Onions: The January MVP
If you start only one thing in January, make it onions.
Onions grow slowly and need a long season to size up properly. Starting them now gives them the best chance to form large bulbs before summer heat kicks in.
What to start:
- Bulb onions
- Bunching onions
- Shallots (from seed)
Onions tolerate cool greenhouse temperatures and don’t need intense heat to germinate. January is exactly when they want to get going.
Leeks: Slow, Steady, and Worth It
Leeks are another long-season crop that benefits from an early start.
They’re incredibly cold-hardy, easygoing, and perfect for Virginia gardens. Starting leeks in mid-January allows them to grow steadily before transplanting in early spring.
If you love cooking with leeks—or want to try something new—January is the time.
Brassicas: Cool-Weather Champions
January is a great month to start many brassicas, especially if you want early spring harvests or strong transplants.
Good January brassicas include:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
These crops thrive in cool conditions and actually perform better when they’re established early. Starting them now also helps reduce pest pressure later in the season.
Lettuce and Salad Greens
Leafy greens are one of the most rewarding greenhouse crops in winter.
You can:
- Grow some to full size in the greenhouse
- Start others for early spring transplant
Great options for January:
- Lettuce (head, romaine, butterhead)
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Mustard greens
These greens germinate quickly, tolerate cooler temperatures, and give you that much-needed taste of fresh food in winter.
Celery and Celeriac (For the Patient Gardener)
Celery and celeriac are slow growers that require an early start.
They need:
- Consistent moisture
- Patience during germination
- A long growing season
If you enjoy a challenge and like growing crops you don’t often find fresh at the store, January is the right time to start them.
Hardy Herbs to Start Now
Some herbs actually prefer a cool, steady start.
January-friendly herbs:
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Chives
- Sage
These herbs grow slowly but steadily and will be ready for transplanting or continued greenhouse growth in spring.
Tip: Hold off on basil until later—it prefers warmth and longer days.
Seeds to Wait On (Even with a Greenhouse)
It’s tempting to start everything in January—but some crops are better left for later.
Wait until February or March to start:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Melons
These grow quickly and can easily outgrow trays or become stressed if started too early.
January Is a Quiet Win in the Greenhouse
January seed starting isn’t flashy. There’s no instant harvest and no dramatic growth overnight.
But this is where strong plants begin.
By starting onions, brassicas, greens, and herbs now, you’re setting yourself up for:
- Earlier harvests
- Healthier transplants
- A smoother spring planting season
If you have a greenhouse in Virginia, January isn’t downtime—it’s the foundation of the growing year.
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