blog post header image of a garden in winter and blog title What To Do in the Garden in January

What To Do in the Garden in January: January Gardening To Do List

blog post header image of a garden in winter and blog title What To Do in the Garden in January

January might not feel like a big gardening month, but it’s actually the perfect time to get things in order for the year ahead. Whether you’re organizing your tools, planning your garden layout, or starting seeds indoors, there’s plenty to do…even if the weather isn’t cooperating.

This January gardening checklist is here to guide you through the month, with practical tips to help you stay on track. I’ll cover essential tasks like cleaning up garden supplies, what to plant in January, and how to prepare for the upcoming season.

I’ve created a free printable version of this checklist for you. You can grab a copy of it here.

sample copy of printable January Gardening Checklist

So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s talk about what to do in the garden in January, because a little work now can make a big difference later!

Why January Is an Important Month for Your January Garden

January is like the calm before the storm when it comes to gardening. It’s a slower month, sure, but it’s also the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a successful year ahead. Taking advantage of this time to prepare, plan, and organize can save you a ton of stress later, especially when things get busy in the spring.

One of the biggest benefits of focusing on your January garden is that you can get ahead on tasks like pruning, organizing tools, and even planning what to plant. By starting now, you’re giving yourself a head start on the growing season, and that’s something every gardener can appreciate come spring!

Even if it’s too cold to work outdoors, there’s still plenty you can do indoors to keep your garden goals on track. Use this month to map out your year with a gardening calendar, make a list of seeds and supplies to order, or tackle those indoor projects you’ve been putting off.

Think of January as your chance to set yourself up for success this coming season. Whether it’s planning, organizing, or just dreaming about warmer days, every small step you take now will make things so much easier later on.

January Gardening To-Do List

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January might be a quieter time in the garden, but there’s still plenty to do! This January gardening to do list will help you tackle the most important tasks this month, both indoors and out. Whether you’re tidying up from last year or setting the stage for the upcoming season, these steps will keep you moving in the right direction.

General Garden Maintenance

Start with the basics:

  • Clean and organize your gardening tools. Sharpen pruners, oil metal surfaces, and make sure everything is ready to go for spring.
  • Inspect your raised beds, trellises, or any other garden structures. Repair or replace anything that’s looking worse for wear, weather permitting.
  • Take stock of your seed collection. Toss any expired seeds and make a list of what you’ll need to buy for the season ahead.

Soil Preparation

Even if your beds are covered in snow or frost, you can still prepare your soil:

  • Test your soil to see if it needs any amendments before planting season, if it’s not frozen. (My garden in southeastern Michigan is frozen solid this time of year.  I soil test in October, but you could also test the soil as soon as it thaws and proceed with the next task then.)
  • Add compost or well-rotted manure to your garden beds for a nutrient boost. This can sit and break down over the next few months.  (Again, weather permitting.)
  • Plan your crop rotation to keep your soil healthy and avoid pests or disease build-up. The Farmer’s Almanac website has a simple crop rotation chart.

Pruning and Cleanup

January (or February) is the ideal time for pruning and garden cleanup:

  • Prune fruit trees, roses, and other dormant plants. Be sure to research the best pruning techniques for your specific plants.
  • Remove any dead plants or weeds left from the previous season. Keeping your beds tidy helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.

This January checklist is all about getting your garden organized and ready for the busy months ahead. A little effort now will go a long way in making your spring gardening smoother and more enjoyable!

What to Plant in January: Ideas for Every Climate

One of the most exciting parts of gardening is planting, and yes, there are things you can plant in January! Depending on your climate, this could mean starting seeds indoors or winter sowing (I have a full winter sowing tutorial here,) or if you’re in a warmer region, sowing a few crops outdoors. Here’s what to focus on:

For Warmer Climates

If you live in a mild climate, January is a great time to directly sow cool season crops in your garden. Some great options include:

  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Peas
  • Radishes

These hardy plants thrive in cooler weather and can handle a light frost, especially under row covers.

For Colder Climates

For those of us dealing with freezing temperatures, January is all about starting seeds indoors. Some great options to start indoors this month include:

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Onions
  • Herbs like parsley or basil

Starting seeds indoors gives you a jumpstart on the growing season and ensures your plants will be ready to go as soon as the weather warms up.

Indoor Gardening Ideas

If you’re itching to grow something and can’t plant outdoors, consider adding to your indoor garden:

  • Start a windowsill herb garden with basil, chives, or cilantro.
  • Try growing microgreens for fresh greens in just a few weeks.
  • Winter sow cold hardy seeds, and seeds that require cold stratification, such as black-eyed susans. (“Cold stratification” is a fancy term for seeds that require a period of cold or freezing temperatures in order to germinate)
  • Consider planting a few decorative indoor plants to brighten up your home during these winter months.

For even more inspiration on indoor gardening and creative ways to stay engaged with your garden this time of year, check out my post full of winter garden ideas, to keep you connected to your garden all season. It’s packed with fun, practical tips to keep your green thumb busy all winter long!

No matter where you live, there’s something you can plant in January to keep your garden dreams alive. Use this time to get ahead, experiment with new crops, or simply enjoy the process of growing!

Planning for the Year Ahead: Using a Garden Calendar for a Successful Year

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January is the perfect month to dream big and plan out your gardening goals for the year. With the busyness of spring still a few months away, now is the time to focus on mapping out what you want to grow and how to make it happen. Here are some practical steps to get you started:

Set Gardening Goals

Take a few minutes to think about what you’d like to accomplish this year. Do you want to grow more vegetables? Add flowers to attract pollinators? Expand your garden space? Write down your goals so you have a clear vision to work toward.

Use a Gardening Calendar

A gardening calendar, or garden journal, is one of the best tools for staying organized throughout the year. Use it to:

  • Plan when to start seeds, transplant and harvest.
  • Keep track of important garden tasks for each month.
  • Note what worked (or didn’t) last year so you can make adjustments.

Note – You can grab my free printable garden journal here.

Plan Your Garden Layout

Grab a notebook or graph paper to plan out your garden layout. Think about:

  • Where you’ll plant specific crops to make the most of your space.
  • How to rotate crops to prevent pests and diseases, and keep your soil healthy.
  • Companion planting strategies to help your plants do their best.

Join a Gardening Club

If you’re looking for extra support or inspiration, consider joining a gardening club. It’s a great way to connect with other gardeners, exchange tips, and stay motivated throughout the year. Plus, sharing your progress and learning from others can make gardening even more rewarding.

Additional Tips for Gardening in January

January might be a slower month in the garden, but it’s full of opportunities to prepare, learn, and dream. Here are a few extra tips to keep you inspired and make the most of this time:

Know Your Hardiness Zone

If you’re not already familiar with your hardiness zone, now’s the time to look it up. Knowing your zone will help you determine the best planting dates and which plants will thrive in your area. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference in your garden’s success.

Tackle Indoor Garden Projects

Winter is the perfect time to focus on tasks you might overlook during the busy growing season.

  • Organize your seeds and gardening supplies.
  • Research new plants you’d like to try.
  • Plan DIY projects like building raised beds or creating compost bins.
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Learn Something New

Take advantage of the downtime to expand your gardening knowledge:

  • Read a gardening book or explore blogs for fresh ideas (like my post on Winter Garden Ideas).
  • Watch videos or join a gardening webinar for hands-on tips.
  • Experiment with a new technique, like starting seeds indoors or growing microgreens.

Stay Inspired

Sometimes, just dreaming about your garden can keep you motivated through the colder months. Scroll through garden photos for inspiration, create a vision board for your garden goals, or connect with other gardeners online to share ideas and progress.

Take Small Steps

Even small tasks, like checking on dormant plants or adding compost to your beds, can make a big impact down the road. Remember, gardening is a journey, and every little step counts.

Winter doesn’t have to feel like an “off-season” for gardening. By staying active and engaged, you’ll be more than ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives!

Join My Free Gardening Community

Gardening is always more fun when you have a community to share it with! If you’re looking for support, inspiration, and plenty of tips to help you grow your best garden yet, I’d love to invite you to join my free Facebook group, Grow Together: Gardening Tips & Ideas.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Gardening Tips: Practical advice for gardeners of all skill levels, especially beginners.
  • Inspiration: Share your progress, celebrate your wins, and learn from other gardeners.
  • Support: Ask questions and get answers from a group of like-minded gardeners who are here to help.
  • Challenges and Fun: Seasonal challenges, gardening discussions, and plenty of encouragement to keep you motivated all year long!

The group is a great place to connect with other gardening enthusiasts, share your experiences, and get personalized advice to help you succeed. Best of all, it’s completely free to join!

Click here to join the group, and let’s grow together!

Final Thoughts

January might feel like a quiet month in the garden, but it’s the perfect time to lay the foundation for an incredible growing season. From tackling your January gardening checklist to dreaming up new plans with your gardening calendar, every small step you take now will make a big difference in the months to come.

Whether you’re pruning, organizing, or starting seeds indoors, remember that gardening is about the journey, not just the destination. Take time to enjoy the process, experiment, and learn along the way.

If you’re ready to dive deeper and connect with a supportive community of gardeners, don’t forget to join my free Facebook group, Grow Together: Gardening Tips & Ideas. We’re here to help you grow with confidence and make this your best gardening year yet.

And be sure to grab your printable January garden checklist!

sample copy of printable January Gardening Checklist

What’s on your January garden to-do list? I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment with your goals and ideas and lets dream together!

Happy growing!

headshot of Liz Will, garden consultant and garden coach with Learn To Grow Gardens

Hi, I’m Liz! I’m a Master Gardener, Garden Coach, and Professional gardener. I’m also a mom of 4 who likes to putz around in my garden, growing food and flowers. You can read more about me here.

I started Learn To Grow Gardens as a resource for anyone looking to find more success in the garden. You can find gardening help, inspiration, and community through my Facebook Group, Instagram page, and by joining my email list below.

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