What to Plant in January — Zone 8

January ends about 6 weeks before zone 8's average last frost (Mar 15) — prime seed-starting territory.

Start seeds indoors — Counted back from the last frost so transplants are ready on time.

🥬 Cabbage Jan 18 – Feb 1 65–85 days to maturity
🥦 Broccoli Jan 25 – Feb 8 60–75 days to maturity
🥦 Cauliflower Jan 25 – Feb 8 60–80 days to maturity
🧅 Onions Jan 4 – Jan 18 90–110 days to maturity
🧅 Leeks Jan 4 – Jan 18 100–120 days to maturity
🥬 Celery Jan 4 – Jan 18 100–120 days to maturity
🍅 Tomatoes Jan 18 – Feb 1 60–85 days to maturity
🫑 Peppers Jan 4 – Jan 18 60–90 days to maturity
🍆 Eggplant Jan 4 – Jan 18 65–80 days to maturity
🍏 Tomatillos Jan 18 – Feb 1 70–80 days to maturity
🌿 Parsley Jan 4 – Jan 18 70–90 days to maturity
🌱 Chives Jan 18 – Feb 1 75–85 days to maturity
🌿 Thyme Jan 4 – Jan 18 90–120 days to maturity
🌿 Oregano Jan 18 – Feb 1 80–90 days to maturity

Windows use zone 8's typical frost dates (Mar 15 / Nov 15). For your own city's dates, run the frost lookup — the planting calendar then localizes everything automatically.

Frequently asked questions

What can I plant outside in January in zone 8?

Nothing goes outside yet in zone 8 — January is for starting seeds indoors (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, celery, tomatoes, peppers, and 6 more). Outdoor planting opens closer to the Mar 15 average last frost.

What seeds should I start indoors in January in zone 8?

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, celery, tomatoes, peppers, and 6 more — each is counted back from zone 8's average last frost around Mar 15, so transplants are ready exactly when the garden is.

Is January the right time for tomatoes in zone 8?

For seed-starting, yes: sow indoors Jan 18 – Feb 1. Transplanting waits until after the Mar 15 average last frost.

January in other zones

Zone 1Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10Zone 11Zone 12Zone 13

Zone 8, month by month

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Zone 8 frost dates near you

Birmingham, ALLittle Rock, ARAtlanta, GAMacon, GAShreveport, LAJackson, MSTupelo, MSLas Cruces, NM