Zone 8 - What to Plant in January

Zone 8 - What to Plant in January

January is the time to start your garden in zone 8. To be ready for the last frost you should start all transplants inside in January so you're ready to go. January is your first window to start your indoor sowings and order your seeds for the spring season. The next two months are the most important for starting your vegetables on time. Start your tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables to be ready for spring transplant!

Black Brandywine tomatoes are a unique and highly regarded heirloom variety known for their exceptional flavor and distinctive characteristics. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, these tomatoes have earned a special place in the hearts of gardeners and tomato enthusiasts alike. The story of Black Brandywine begins with the original Brandywine tomato, which was developed in the late 1800s in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania. Over time, a natural mutation led to the development of the black variant, which retained the outstanding flavor of the original while introducing a striking, dark coloration. The fruit of the Black Brandywine tomato is large and typically reaches sizes of 8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 grams) or even larger under optimal conditions. Its shape is somewhat irregular, often with a beefsteak-like appearance, characterized by deep ridges and an uneven, slightly flattened globe shape. The skin of Black Brandywine tomatoes is a dark purplish-black or maroon color, adding to their visual appeal. The plants of Black Brandywine tomatoes are indeterminate, which means they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. They can reach heights of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) or more, so proper support is essential. These tomatoes thrive in warm and sunny climates, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Adequate moisture and regular pruning are crucial to manage their vigorous growth and ensure good air circulation. Black Brandywine tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners who appreciate their rich, complex flavor, making them a must-grow variety for anyone looking to savor the taste of history in their garden.

Hillbilly tomatoes, also known as "Hillbilly Potato Leaf" tomatoes, are a unique and heirloom variety of tomato with a rich history dating back several decades. These tomatoes are renowned for their distinctive appearance and delicious flavor. The fruit size of Hillbilly tomatoes can vary, but they typically range from large to very large, often exceeding 1 pound (0.45 kg) per fruit. Their shape is irregular and somewhat flattened, with deep ribbing and prominent shoulders, giving them a rustic and charming aesthetic. The plants of Hillbilly tomatoes are known for their vigorous growth and can reach a height of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters). They have potato-like leaves, which is how they earned their "Potato Leaf" moniker. These tall and sprawling plants require ample space and support to accommodate their robust growth. Hillbilly tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, making them a favorite among home gardeners. When it comes to growing conditions, Hillbilly tomatoes thrive in full sun with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer warm and consistent temperatures, making them suitable for summer cultivation in most regions. Adequate watering and regular pruning to encourage air circulation are essential for healthy plant development. Hillbilly tomatoes are cherished for their sweet and slightly tangy flavor, making them a popular choice for fresh salads, sandwiches, and canning due to their large fruit size and rich taste. Their unique appearance and historical significance make them a treasured addition to any garden or kitchen.  

The spicy flavor, attractive purple stems, and green leaves of the Hong Vit Radish makes it a favorite among many growers! This radish variety is also a very fast growing microgreen. The Hong Vit grows straight with hairless attractive purple stems. Micro Hong Vit's leaves add a spicy flavor, visual appeal, and bulk to mixes!

The Pink Girl Tomato produces beautiful, smooth, juicy and high quality pink tomatoes that can be enjoyed all summer long! This low acid tomato yield 3.5" round fruits weighing 6 to 8 ounces.

The Large White Ribbed Swiss Chard has a wide and flattened white stem. This variety is a popular heirloom chard that has tender and thick smooth leaves. The Large White Ribbed is very tasty and can even substitute asparagus when creamed.

The Crnkovic Yugoslavian Tomato is a full flavored, mid-sized bright red tomato that has a perfect beefsteak shape that is juicy inside. This variety produces heavy yields of pink beefsteaks that rarely cracks and can weigh up to a pound each. Fruits have perfect shape and a juicy flavor.

The Purple Italian Globe Artichoke, scientifically known as Cynara scolymus var. scolymus, is a stunning and delectable vegetable that has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originating in the Mediterranean region, this particular variety of artichoke has been cultivated for centuries and is prized for both its ornamental appearance and culinary value. Its striking purple and green hues make it a unique addition to any garden or dinner table. In terms of taste, the Purple Italian Globe Artichoke boasts a mild, nutty flavor with a slightly sweet and earthy undertone. The tender inner leaves and heart are the most sought-after parts and are often used in various dishes, from salads and dips to braised or roasted preparations. The artichoke can grow to a substantial size, typically reaching diameters of 4 to 6 inches, making it a substantial vegetable for cooking. The Purple Italian Globe Artichoke is known for its longer days to maturity, typically requiring around 150 to 180 days from planting to harvest. Each plant typically yields multiple artichokes, and they can be propagated from seeds or offsets. These plants thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and prefer full sun exposure. Adequate spacing and regular watering are essential for optimal growth. Overall, this variety of artichoke offers not only a delicious addition to your culinary endeavors but also a visually striking and historical component to your garden.

Crunchy Royale is a dark red, round radish ideal for bunching or cello pack. It yields high quality and extremely uniform roots. Overall, Crunchy Royale offers excellent internal and external color and a high pack-out rate for growers.

Fire Fresh hybrid swiss chard is excellent for baby leaf or spring mix production. Produces bright red petioles and medium-dark green leaves. Has an above normal growth rate and produces long oval leaves that have a slight texture.

Ruby Fresh hybrid swiss chard is perfect for market growers. Perfect for producing baby leaf greens that have bright red petioles with a well-defined venation. It has thick round to oval leaves. Ruby Fresh is a great choice for baby leaf or spring mix growers.

Matt's Wild Cherry tomatoes have a bright red color with bursting flavor and high sugar content. A moderate yielder that goes great in salsa, salads and fresh eating. Some resistance to early blight and late blight.

Blue Vantage produces dense and large heads with short cores. A mid-season maturity that is ideal for fresh eating or coleslaw. Great resistance to Fusarium yellows race 1 resistant and tipburn tolerant.

The Red Beefsteak Tomato produces an extra large, meaty fruit that is very popular among home gardens used for adding to sandwiches other dishes. This beefsteak variety is not grown commercially as often as the smaller types. The Red Beefsteak is describes as being a solid, meaty and juicy tomato that is an excellent slicer.

The Orange Oxheart Tomato is an oxheart variety that has vigorous vines that produce plenty of beautiful, orange tomatoes. These tomatoes have a sweet and juicy flavor that will have you growing them for years and years to come! The Orange Oxheart weighs around 16-32 ounces and is just perfect looking!

The Philadelphia White Box Radish is a tiny, round white variety that is the perfect choice for a container or garden bed! This radish might be small, but it has a big spicy flavor and crispy texture that is wonderful when eaten fresh. The Philadelphia White Box can enjoyed by both home growers or market growers. This variety is a heavy yielder of little, uniform radishes!

The Early Doll Tomato is a bright red, juicy tomato that is an improvement of the Quick Pick, making it a good slicing variety. This variety is a great tomato to grow in Northern areas where the season is short, however this tomato plant is also great for Southern locations where you can harvest the crop before insects and disease start to take over.

The Pumpkin on a Stick will have you asking "is it a pumpkin, a gourd or a tomato?" but it's actually an ornamental eggplant! This unique delight has been baffling gardeners for over 125 years! These ribbed fruits will resemble a tomato and then a pumpkin once it dries out. This beautiful plant will need to be staked as it can reach 4 feet tall. This prolific plant will yield dozens of little orange fruits. Pumpkin on a Stick is perfect for any indoor decorations or arrangements as it is an autumn staple!

Crunchy Red produces large tops and very uniform dark red, round roots. This variety is very slow to develop pith. It performs well under cool conditions. It’s usually a few days earlier than standard varieties. Crunchy Red is desirable where larger roots are required.