January · Midwinter

What to sow in January in Vancouver

13 crops are in their window this month in Vancouver — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 10 Mar
First frost≈ 6 Nov
Frost-free daysFrom 10 Mar
January averages4°–8°C

Vegetables

6 in season
Broad Beans
Direct sow · pinch growing tips once pods set to deter aphids
Opens 13 Jan
Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)
Direct sow · harvest stems before the flower buds fully open
Opens 27 Jan
Ginger
Start indoors · start indoors in late winter; it needs a long season
Closes 27 Jan
Horseradish
Plant root cuttings · dig roots after fall frost for the best flavor
Opens 27 Jan
Luffa
Start indoors · give it a sturdy trellis; vines get heavy fast
Closes 27 Jan

Herbs

7 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Opens 27 Jan
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
All month
Lemongrass
Start indoors · pot it up in fall and bring indoors before frost
Closes 13 Jan
Oregano
Start indoors · slow from seed, keep soil warm to germinate
All month
Parsley
Start indoors · slow to sprout, soak seeds overnight first
All month

Fruit · nothing to sow this month