January may seem like a quiet time for gardening, but it’s actually the perfect month to start seeds indoors — especially if you want to get a head start on your spring garden. Whether you live in a small apartment, a suburban home, or plan to grow in raised garden beds, starting indoors now gives your plants time to develop strong roots before transplanting.
Here’s what you can grow indoors this month — and a few tips to make it a success.
1. Herbs
Basil, parsley, chives, cilantro, and oregano are great herbs to start in January. They grow well in small containers, thrive on sunny windowsills, and can be harvested continually.
Tip: Use well-draining soil and rotate containers regularly to prevent leggy growth.
2. Onions from Seed
Onions need a long growing season, so starting them indoors in January is ideal. Choose varieties suited to your region (short- or long-day types) and sow them in seed trays or shallow containers.
Transplant them into your raised garden bed around late March or April in BC.
3. Leafy Greens
Lettuce, kale, spinach, and arugula can be grown indoors under lights or near a bright window. These fast-growing greens offer fresh harvests even in winter and are perfect for starting early.
You can also grow them in shallow trays as microgreens if space is limited.
4. Peppers
Peppers take a long time to germinate and grow — starting them indoors in January gives them a strong head start. Use a heat mat to encourage germination and grow lights to support healthy seedlings.
Try starting bell peppers or hot varieties now to transplant in May.
Bonus: Garlic Greens (Indoor Alternative)
If you missed planting garlic outdoors in fall, you can still enjoy the flavor by planting garlic cloves indoors for greens. They won’t form bulbs, but the shoots taste just like garlic and can be cut several times.
Indoor Seed Starting Tips
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Use seed trays, pots, or upcycled containers with drainage holes
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Place near a south-facing window or use a grow light (12–14 hrs/day)
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Keep soil moist but not soggy
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Use a kitchen composter to recycle your food scraps and enrich your future garden soil
🛠 Starting indoors in January sets your garden up for a strong, early start — especially when transplanting into raised beds in early spring.
Plan Now, Grow Better Later
Indoor seed starting is a great way to stay connected to your garden, even in winter. Plus, it lets you grow stronger plants that are ready to thrive in your raised beds once the weather warms up.
🛒 Ready to prep your garden space early?
Explore our Modular Steel Raised Garden Beds — durable, expandable, and perfect for early transplants this spring.
