January · Midwinter
What to sow in January in Tokyo
18 crops are in their window this month in Tokyo — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 8 Mar
First frost≈ 18 Dec
Frost-free daysFrom 8 Mar
January averages1°–11°C
Vegetables
7 in season
Broad Beans
Direct sow · pinch growing tips once pods set to deter aphids
Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)
Direct sow · harvest stems before the flower buds fully open
Ginger
Start indoors · start indoors in late winter; it needs a long season
Horseradish
Plant root cuttings · dig roots after fall frost for the best flavor
Luffa
Start indoors · give it a sturdy trellis; vines get heavy fast
Herbs
7 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
Lemongrass
Start indoors · pot it up in fall and bring indoors before frost
Oregano
Start indoors · slow from seed, keep soil warm to germinate
Parsley
Start indoors · slow to sprout, soak seeds overnight first
Fruit
4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn