What can I plant in January in zone 5a?

In USDA hardiness zone 5a (last spring frost around May 4, 2026, first fall frost around Oct 6, 2026), January is a good time to start indoors bunching onion, leek, leek microgreens, onion.

What to plant in January in zone 5a

6 crops to start indoors, direct sow, transplant, or harvest in January in USDA hardiness zone 5a. Typical last spring frost around May 4, 2026, first fall frost around Oct 6, 2026 — exact dates vary by location within the zone.

Want exact January dates for your address in zone 5a, a drag-and-drop bed layout, and sowing reminders? Enter your ZIP:

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Start indoors

Sow these under lights or on a windowsill now for transplants later.

Bunching Onion
Leek
Leek Microgreens
Onion
Onion Microgreens
Shallot

Keep going

Full zone 5a planting calendar →
What to plant in January (all zones) →
Succession planting for a continuous harvest →

Timings use NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location (Rumford, ME) in zone 5a, computed with the same engine as GardenDraft’s in-app schedule. Guidance, not guarantees — your exact dates depend on your address.