What can I plant in January in zone 5b?

In USDA hardiness zone 5b (last spring frost around May 1, 2026, first fall frost around Oct 12, 2026), January is a good time to start indoors bunching onion, leek, leek microgreens, onion.

What to plant in January in zone 5b

6 crops to start indoors, direct sow, transplant, or harvest in January in USDA hardiness zone 5b. Typical last spring frost around May 1, 2026, first fall frost around Oct 12, 2026 — exact dates vary by location within the zone.

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

Or get a printable zone 5b calendar and reminders by email:

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 5b 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 (Beloit, WI) in zone 5b, computed with the same engine as GardenDraft’s in-app schedule. Guidance, not guarantees — your exact dates depend on your address.