La Canada Gardening Tips: What to Plant in January 2026

January is the perfect time to start your La Canada garden. The winter weather is mild, and the soil is easy to work. Cool nights help vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow strong. In addition, winter moisture helps roots establish quickly. By planting now, you set your garden up for a healthy, productive spring.

First, focus on cool-season vegetables. Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard grow fast and supply fresh greens. Also, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beets, carrots, radishes, and peas thrive in crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. Plant them in full sun. Water lightly but consistently. This ensures they mature quickly and continue producing into early spring.

Next, consider herbs. Parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, and oregano grow well in winter. Mint grows vigorously, so plant it in a pot to prevent spreading. By planting herbs now, you can enjoy fresh flavors in winter meals. Moreover, they develop strong roots before spring growth begins.

In addition, winter flowers bring color and cheer to your garden. Pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendula, alyssum, and sweet peas handle cold nights well. Plant sweet peas now to enjoy fragrant blooms by spring. These flowers brighten your garden and attract attention from neighbors and pollinators alike.

January is also the best month for bare-root fruit trees and roses. Roses, peach, plum, apricot, apple, and citrus trees all benefit from early planting. Because they are still dormant, their roots grow strong in cool soil. Choose sunny, well-drained locations to help them thrive. This timing ensures healthy growth and a productive season.

Finally, add California native plants. Manzanita, yarrow, toyon, California poppies, and ceanothus settle well in winter soil. They enjoy natural rainfall and attract pollinators. In addition, natives reduce water use and create long-term beauty in your garden.

Overall, January gives La Canada gardeners a strong start. By planting vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, and natives now, you ensure vibrant blooms, healthy growth, and a productive spring. Start today to make your garden thrive all season long.