January often brings the coldest weather of the year for gardeners in zone 10A. This year’s pattern of mild days, cool fronts, and refreshing rain is a welcome change from the hot and humid summer.
While many parts of the country are hunkering down for winter, we’re fortunate to enjoy sunny skies and temperatures that rarely dip below the 40s.
Although we’ve yet to face a freeze, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any surprises Mother Nature may throw our way.
This month is an exciting time to focus on both maintaining your garden and preparing for the growing season ahead.
Whether you’re protecting your winter crops, starting seeds indoors, or sowing cool-season vegetables outside, there’s plenty to keep your green thumb busy.
Let’s dig into what you can do in your January garden to make the most of this season!
Winter Plant Protection
Before a freeze hits, first consider the microclimate of your yard. Microclimates are small areas with unique conditions that differ from the surrounding environment, and they can play a big role in protecting your plants during cold weather.
For example, my backyard is a natural microclimate thanks to its small size and the protective perimeter of podocarpus and sea grapes. These plants act as effective windbreaks, shielding my garden from harsh gusts.
My cold-sensitive plants, like desert roses and plumeria, thrive near the south-facing side of my house, where the walls retain and radiate heat, keeping the area warmer than the unprotected front yard.
Tree cover can also help protect plants from cold injury. A canopy traps heat, creating a buffer against freezing temperatures.
However, it’s important to remember that plants requiring full sun may struggle under the shade of a canopy, even if it offers protection.
To further safeguard your garden, avoid pruning plants in late November or December. Pruning during this time encourages new growth, which is particularly vulnerable to cold damage, and doesn’t give the plant adequate time to heal from cuts.
Listening to weather forecasts is one of the best tools for gardeners to prepare for an incoming cold front. Knowing how low temperatures are projected to drop can help you decide which plants need the most protection.
Tender plants in containers are the easiest to safeguard—simply move them to a warmer, sheltered location, such as a garage or inside your home.
For plants remaining outdoors, heat retention is key. Soil naturally radiates heat during the night, but without proper precautions, that warmth is lost to the atmosphere. Mulching around your plants is the first line of defense, as mulch helps trap heat in the soil.
Covering plants can also offer protection, primarily from frost, though it can aid in retaining some warmth. Use cloth sheets, quilts, or commercial frost cloths to shield your plants.
However, avoid using plastic directly on foliage. Plastic tends to draw heat away from the plant, and any part of the plant that touches the plastic risks injury. Taking these measures can help ensure your plants make it through colder nights unscathed.
Adding a light source under a cover is a simple and effective way to provide additional warmth to your plants during cold weather.
A single incandescent light bulb placed under a frost cloth or quilt can generate enough heat to protect plants from frost damage. Many gardeners also use Christmas lights, which can be wrapped around plants to provide gentle, distributed warmth.
It’s important to note, however, that not all lights produce heat. LED lights, commonly used in modern holiday decorations, emit very little heat compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
While they’re energy-efficient and safe, they won’t offer the same level of protection for plants during cold weather.
If you plan to use lights as a heat source, make sure to choose incandescent or other heat-producing bulbs. Always use outdoor-rated lights and check for safety guidelines to avoid fire hazards.
After a freeze, ensuring your plants have adequate water is crucial for their recovery. Watering your plants helps them replenish moisture lost during cold stress and, in cases of extreme cold, can aid in thawing the soil.
Be sure to check the soil moisture levels, especially for plants that were covered, as these may have retained less moisture.
One of the hardest things for gardeners to do after a freeze is to resist the urge to prune. While it may be tempting to tidy up damaged plants immediately, it’s best to wait.
You can remove brown or wilted leaves to improve the plant’s appearance, but avoid severe pruning until new growth appears. This delay allows you to identify which parts of the plant are truly dead and which are still capable of recovery.
Patience during this process can make the difference between saving a stressed plant and unintentionally cutting away healthy growth.
Action Plan: January Edition
January is the perfect time to reflect on last year’s gardening successes and challenges while planning for the months ahead.
Reviewing your gardening journal is an invaluable part of this process. If you’ve kept notes on tips, tricks, design ideas, and wish-list items, now is the time to revisit them. Adding a dedicated section for tracking seed and plant varieties can take your journal to the next level.
Documenting planting requirements, germination and maturation periods, and your observations on how each variety performed provides a personalized guide tailored to your garden.
This information will help you know exactly when to sow seeds, the best planting spacing, and when to expect blooms or harvests.
If you haven’t started a garden journal yet, January is a fantastic time to begin! I’ll include links to some great journal options at the end of this post.
This month is also ideal for tackling heavy garden projects. Cooler, less humid weather makes outdoor work more manageable.
For instance, I still need to build the ramp for my mini barn. Completing this now will make it easier for my family and me to access the barn while avoiding the discomfort of working in summer’s heat and humidity.
Whether it’s repairing structures, installing new beds, or setting up trellises, January offers the perfect window to complete those labor-intensive tasks and set your garden up for success in the year ahead.
What to Plant
January is a fantastic time for growing a variety of delicious and nutritious vegetables in Florida. This month, you can plant eggplant, peppers, watermelon, beets, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collards, kale, lettuce, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips.
For any gardener, this extensive list of possibilities is exciting!
Today, let’s focus on the Brassicas and Cruciferous family—an essential group of cool-season crops that thrive in Florida’s milder winter months.
Why Grow Brassicas in Winter?
Brassicas, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, are packed with nutrients and are perfect for the cool weather.
However, these plants are sensitive to heat and will bolt, or go to seed, as soon as temperatures rise, making them bitter and inedible.
Growing them during Florida’s cooler months allows them to develop properly and taste their best.
Broccoli: A Garden Favorite
Broccoli is one of my favorite crops to grow. It thrives in full sun and loamy, nutrient-rich soil, which is easy to achieve in a raised bed where you can amend the soil to its liking.
While broccoli needs consistent watering, avoid overwatering to prevent soggy roots. Adding a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth.
When planting broccoli, spacing is key. Leave 18–24 inches between plants to allow for adequate airflow and sunlight, reducing the risk of diseases like powdery mildew.
Companion planting can also improve broccoli’s success—try growing it near onions, garlic, or marigolds to deter pests naturally.
Broccoli prefers cool weather, with optimal growth occurring when daytime temperatures range from 60–70°F. If a heatwave is forecasted, use shade cloths to protect your plants from stress.
When it comes to harvesting, don’t rely solely on the size of the head to determine readiness. Instead, watch for florets beginning to loosen, bulge, or show a yellowish hue—this means it’s time to harvest.
To ensure the best flavor and texture, harvest in the morning when the temperatures are cooler.
After the main head is harvested, broccoli plants will produce smaller side shoots. Fertilizing the plants after the initial harvest encourages these shoots to grow larger, extending your broccoli harvest. Keep an eye on the side shoots and harvest them promptly to encourage continuous production.
Pest management is another important part of growing broccoli. Common pests include cabbage loopers, aphids, and flea beetles. Prevent issues by using floating row covers, handpicking caterpillars, or applying natural solutions like neem oil or a soapy water spray.
Additionally, removing any yellowing or damaged leaves will discourage pests and keep your plants healthy.
Brussels Sprouts: Tiny Cabbages
Brussels sprouts, affectionately called “little cabbages,” are a rewarding crop for patient gardeners. These plants require consistent moisture to thrive, needing more water than other Brassicas, but they should never sit in standing water.
Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture while preventing soil from splashing onto the leaves, which can harbor pests or diseases.
Brussels sprouts prefer full sun and can tolerate some of Florida’s sandy soil. To give them the best start, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.
These plants are heavy feeders, so regular fertilization—particularly with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer—encourages healthy growth and sprout production.
One of the unique aspects of growing Brussels sprouts is their long maturity period, which often extends into the warmer months.
As temperatures rise, the plants become more vulnerable to pests like aphids, cabbage loopers, and harlequin bugs. Combat these pests by using natural deterrents such as neem oil, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, or physically removing pests from the plant.
Removing damaged or yellowing leaves also helps prevent infestations and encourages better air circulation.
When growing Brussels sprouts, it’s important to watch for signs of readiness. The sprouts form along the stem in a spiral pattern and should feel firm and compact when harvested.
Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk, where the sprouts mature first, and work your way up. If left too long on the plant, the sprouts can become tough and bitter.
For gardeners who want to maximize their harvest, consider topping the plant (removing the growing tip) once the sprouts begin to form. This practice directs the plant’s energy into developing larger, more uniform sprouts rather than producing new foliage.
Cabbage and Cauliflower: Cool-Weather Staples
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a bit of a diva in the garden, but the payoff is worth the effort.
This cool-season crop thrives in full sun and nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Like other Brassicas, cauliflower can tolerate some of Florida’s sandy soil, but amending it with compost or aged manure will help the plant thrive.
Consistent watering is crucial for healthy cauliflower, as it doesn’t handle drought stress well. However, avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. A layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
One of the challenges with cauliflower is ensuring the head remains white and tender. As the head begins to form, it’s a good idea to “blanch” it by tying the outer leaves loosely over the developing head. This protects it from sun exposure, which can cause discoloration and bitterness.
Cauliflower takes time to mature, so patience is key. Harvest the head when it’s firm, tight, and about 6-8 inches in diameter.
If you notice the florets starting to separate, harvest immediately, as this indicates the plant is about to bolt.
Pest management is another important consideration. Keep an eye out for aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, which can damage the leaves and reduce the plant’s vigor. A strong blast of water can dislodge aphids, while caterpillars and beetles can be removed by hand or with organic pest control methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth..
Remove any old or yellowing leaves to reduce the risk of attracting pests like flea beetles, aphids, and harlequin bugs.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the most forgiving members of the Brassica family, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
This versatile crop thrives in full sun and can tolerate some of Florida’s sandy soil, though it does best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Amending the soil with organic matter before planting will ensure the heads develop properly.
Consistent watering is essential for cabbage, but like its relatives, it doesn’t want to sit in waterlogged soil. Mulching helps retain moisture and prevents weeds from competing with your plants.
Fertilizing cabbage with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season encourages healthy leaf and head development.
Cabbage heads should feel firm to the touch when they’re ready to harvest. Timing is crucial—if left in the garden too long, cabbage heads can split or become overly tough.
Once harvested, cabbage can be stored for weeks in a cool, dry place, making it a great addition to your pantry.
Pests such as cabbage loopers, harlequin bugs, and aphids are common challenges when growing cabbage. Regularly inspect the plants and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves, which can attract pests.
Use natural deterrents like companion planting with marigolds or applying organic sprays. Handpicking larger pests or using row covers to protect young plants can also be effective.
If you’re growing multiple varieties, such as savoy or red cabbage, stagger your planting times to enjoy a continuous harvest.
Flowers
Annuals
January is the perfect time to bring bursts of color to your garden with cool-season annuals. Some of the best choices for Florida include petunias, snapdragons, pansies, marigolds, and zinnias. These flowers thrive in the cooler weather and can create a stunning display in garden beds or containers.
Tips for success:
- Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Fertilize lightly every few weeks to keep your plants thriving.
Perennials
For long-lasting beauty, consider adding hardy perennials to your garden this month. Florida-friendly options include lilies, lantana, pentas, and geraniums. These plants provide structure and color year after year, and many of them also attract pollinators.
If you’re looking for a unique touch, consider adding daylilies or salvias, which can handle Florida’s diverse conditions. Perennials often require less maintenance than annuals once established, making them a practical choice for a vibrant garden.
Tips for success:
- Prune and tidy existing perennials to encourage new growth.
- Divide clumping varieties like daylilies to promote healthier blooms and prevent overcrowding.
Native Plants
Native plants are an excellent addition to any Florida garden, as they are well-adapted to our unique climate and often require less water and maintenance. Consider planting coreopsis (Florida’s state flower), milkweed (essential for monarch butterflies), beach sunflowers, or blanket flowers.
Tips for success:
- Group native plants together to create a pollinator-friendly area.
- Avoid pesticides to protect beneficial insects.
Prepare for Pollinators
Planting flowers now isn’t just about adding beauty to your garden—it’s about preparing for the important role of pollinators later in the season. As your flowers bloom and attract pollinators, they will ensure a healthy ecosystem for your vegetable garden. When it’s time to plant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants later in the year, your pollinator population will already be thriving, setting the stage for a productive harvest.
By planting a mix of annuals, perennials, and native plants, you’re creating a diverse and sustainable garden that supports both beauty and functionality.
Camellias
I can’t leave gardening in January without talking about this stunning plant—the camellia, often called the “rose of winter.”
Its lush, evergreen foliage and elegant blooms make it a showstopper in the cooler months.
Camellias thrive in partial shade and prefer acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Once established, they’re relatively low-maintenance, needing only consistent watering and occasional mulching to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
One of the most enchanting things about camellias is their versatility. They work beautifully as standalone shrubs, part of a hedge, or even as a focal point in container gardens.
Camellias come in a wide variety of colors and forms, from single-petal varieties to full, ruffled blooms that mimic roses.
During January, their blooms bring life and elegance to the garden
If you’d like to dive deeper into growing and caring for camellias, be sure to check out my previous article on this timeless favorite. I’ll link it below.
Tying It All Together: A Garden for Every Season
January sets the stage for a year of gardening successes. By planning your projects, planting cool-season crops, and adding pollinator-friendly flowers, you create a garden that’s both beautiful and productive.
This month’s efforts not only provide immediate rewards but also pave the way for a fruitful growing season.
Whether you’re planting vibrant flowers, cultivating nutritious vegetables, or supporting essential pollinators, every task you complete now contributes to a thriving garden.
Weekly Bonus Content
Each week, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic, so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
In Between We Garden participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your gardening journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.
Other Articles I’ve Written
- Florida Wildflower Stars: Blanketflower and Coreopsis Plants
- Unlock the Beauty of Camellia Japonica in Florida’s Subtropical Climate
Affiliate Links
Botanical Interests: Easter Egg Blend Radish Seeds. Easter Egg Blend is a mix of red, white, rose pink, purple, and bi-color (red top, white base) radishes. They are ready to harvest in 30 days.
Book suggestions from Amazon:
- 2025 Wild Floridian Garden Planner
- Gardening In Southern Florida: A Record-Keeping Journal for Successful Farming in Zone 10
- Wild Florida Garden Planner: Week-by-Week Journal and Logbook
Freebie
- from Botanical Interests, Garden Journal eBook
- from Green in Real Life: Free Garden Journal Printables
Additional Resources
- Kellogg Garden: Winter Gardening: January Garden Checklist Zones 9 – 11
- University of Florida/IFAS Extension: Winter Plant Protection
- Urban Harvest: Brassicas/Cruciferous Family Planting g Guide for Florida Gardeners