January may seem quiet in the garden, but here in Visalia, it’s actually a wonderful time to dig in and get growing. Our mild Central Valley winters give us a head start on planting while much of the country is still covered in frost. At Luis Nursery, we love this time of year—it’s full of potential, promise, and perfect planting conditions!
If you’re wondering what you can do in the garden this month, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, January offers plenty of opportunities to plant, prep, and plan for a beautiful and productive year ahead.
Bare-Root Season Is Here!
One of the biggest perks of January gardening is bare-root planting. These plants are dormant, still sleeping away, making it the ideal time to get them in the ground. Now is the time to plant bare-root fruit trees, berries, and roses.
We’ve got a great selection of bare-root fruit trees right now—apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and more—perfect for home orchards, big or small. Looking for berries? Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries also do well when planted bare-root this month.
Don’t forget roses! January is prime time to plant bare-root roses for a stunning spring bloom.
Cool-Season Veggies Are Still Going Strong
Love fresh veggies? You’re in luck. January is a great time to grow cool-season crops in Visalia. Are you ready for it? You can plant:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Beets
These veggies love the cooler temps and will give you a fresh harvest in just a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the crop.
Add Some Winter Color
January might mean winter on the calendar, but that doesn’t mean that your garden has to look dull! Are you ready to brighten up your garden? Pansies, violas, snapdragons, and cyclamen thrive in cooler weather and add cheerful color to flower beds, containers, and borders. These hardy blooms will remind you that spring isn’t too far away. You can also plant ornamental kale and cabbage—they’re both beautiful and seasonally appropriate!
Prep for Spring Now
Earlier this month we talked about planning any major garden projects this year such as a new raised bed, lawn replacement, or irrigation update. If any of these are on your list then now is the time to prep. January is perfect for cleaning up, turning soil, adding compost, and dreaming big for the months ahead. We recommend adding organic compost or soil conditioner to your planting areas to give your spring plants the best start possible.
At Luis Nursery, we’re fully stocked with bare-root trees, veggie starts, winter color, soil, mulch, and everything you need to kick off the new year in your garden. Stop by and let us help you find the right plants for your space and goals. January is full of quiet promise—but your garden doesn’t have to wait until spring to shine.
