12 Bountiful Plants to Start Growing in January

There's nothing like the start of a new year to plant a fresh spring garden that promises vibrant bulbs and fresh produce at the end of a chilly winter. January is a great time to begin planting for outdoor gardens, particularly in warmer climates, while the coldest climates in the U.S. should hold out until the last major frosts have struck. Choose slow-germinating perennials, cold-tolerant annuals, and landscaping shrubbery for January planting.

Where it's still snowing, stick to indoor plants and greenhouse projects. January is also the perfect time to start planning out the garden and buying seeds. There is always a limited supply of seeds each year, so it's best to purchase early so you don't miss out on the best varieties. If you plant the right seeds, you'll even get to enjoy some blooms throughout the winter.

If colder climates constrain planting abilities in January, consider a greenhouse. Most plants can be seeded in a garden shed and transplanted in early spring to the garden after the last freeze of the season. If spring isn't coming soon enough, then forcing bulbs is a great technique that doesn't even require being outside. “Forcing bulbs” means tricking bulb florals like tulips, hyacintha, and orchids into thinking that spring has come early by potting them indoors and giving them lots of natural light. Fragrant florals will abound a few weeks later, so plan accordingly. It's best to check with your local nursery to find which varieties plant best in January in your area as every climate and locale are different. Happy planting!