Lunar sowing calendar for January 2026: what to sow and grow in winter
January is one of the most peaceful, but at the same time important months for gardeners and gardeners. Despite the frosts and snow, this period allows you to prepare seedlings, grow greens at home and in greenhouses, and plan crops and plantings for spring. Experienced summer residents are guided by the lunar sowing calendar, which takes into account the influence of the phases of the Moon on the growth and development of plants. Which crops and when is the best time to sow and replant in January 2026 — in the Izvestia article.
The effect of Moon phases on plant growth in winter
The moon has a significant effect on the distribution of juices in plants. Each of its phases corresponds to a certain direction of energy flows: from the roots to the aboveground part or vice versa.
The waxing Moon (from new moon to full moon) stimulates the growth of the green mass. During this period, it is especially beneficial to plant and transplant crops that are harvested above ground: greens, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and ornamental plants.
The waning Moon (from full moon to new moon) directs energy to the root system. This is the optimal time for sowing root crops, bulbous crops and working with soil — loosening, fertilizing, hoeing.
New moon and full moon are periods of energy instability. Crops and transplants rarely give good results these days: seedlings can be weak, and plants are susceptible to diseases and develop slowly.
In winter, the influence of the moon is especially important, as plants grow slowly, and mistakes in sowing or transplanting can lead to weak seedlings and poor harvests in spring.
In January 2026, the phases of the moon will be distributed as follows:
— January 1-2 — the waxing Moon;
— January 3 — full moon;
— January 4-17 — waning Moon;
— January 18 — new moon;
— January 19-31 — the waxing Moon.
New moon (January 18) and full moon (January 3) are considered extremely unfavorable for any planting operations. These days, it is better to limit yourself to soil preparation, sanitary pruning and weed control.
Favorable and unfavorable days for gardening in January
The lunar calendar helps to accurately distribute the work by day in order to get strong seedlings and healthy plants.
The most favorable days for sowing and transplanting plants fall during the growing Moon period at the end of the month — from January 26 to January 31. At this time, plants are actively gaining strength, and the energy of the Moon promotes the growth of shoots, leaves and strengthening roots.
Favorable days are January 4-7, 9-13, 17, 21-22. They are suitable for planting herbs, vegetables, transplanting seedlings and caring for indoor plants.
Neutral days are January 1-2, 14-16, 28-29. Auxiliary work can be carried out: loosening the soil, removing weeds, watering and fertilizing, but new plantings are less effective these days.
Unfavorable days are January 5-6, 19-20, 23-25. During this period, it is better to limit yourself to preparing the soil and caring for already planted plants. Any new crops and transplants may produce weak shoots.
The most unfavorable days are January 3 (full moon) and January 18 (new moon). Crops and transplants are extremely ineffective these days, plants are developing poorly, seedlings are weakening, and the risk of diseases is increasing.
This distribution allows you to plan work for the whole month, minimize risks and get strong, healthy seedlings.
What can be sown and grown in January 2026
In winter, most crops are grown in greenhouses or on window sills, as open ground is not available. January is an ideal time to work with seedlings, greenery and ornamental plants.
Green crops and herbs: parsley, dill, lettuce, spinach, basil. It is recommended to sow them at the beginning of the month and in the second half of January. These plants grow quickly and are sensitive to light, so it is important to organize additional illumination with lamps, as well as maintain a temperature of +18-22 °C.
Vegetable crops for greenhouses: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, physalis. It is better to sow these plants in the middle of the month and in the last days of January. They require moderate watering, regular loosening of the soil and fertilizing to get strong seedlings.
Root vegetables and bulbous vegetables: carrots, leeks, beets, celery. The days of the waning Moon are favorable for these crops, when energy is directed to the roots. The seeds are sown in a greenhouse or pots on the windowsill, observing uniform watering and temperature control.
Legumes in containers: peas, beans. They sprout quickly and make it possible to get the first shoots for home use. Sowing is recommended in the second half of the month, when the moon is growing.
Indoor and decorative flowers: ampellate plants, climbing flowers, roses, fuchsias. It is better to sow and replant them on bright days when the Moon is growing, paying attention to lighting and watering.
January is also suitable for preparing seeds for spring crops: cabbage, cucumbers, zucchini and other heat-loving crops can be soaked and prepared for future transplanting.
Features of seedling care in January
Caring for plants in January requires a comprehensive approach. First of all, it is necessary to provide sufficient lighting. In winter, there is very little natural sunlight, so it is recommended to use phytolamps. The light should reach the plants 10-12 hours a day, it is better to place the lamps at a distance of 20-30 cm from the leaves so that they do not overheat and are evenly illuminated.
Temperature plays an equally important role. The optimal range for most vegetable and green crops is 18-22 degrees. With sudden fluctuations or drafts, plants weaken, growth slows down and the risk of diseases increases. Young seedlings are particularly sensitive to cold and dry air, so it is important to avoid direct exposure to heating appliances and drafts.
Watering in January should be moderate. The soil should be slightly moist, but not flooded with water, so that root rot does not develop. It is better to spray young shoots from a spray bottle, and after the appearance of real leaves, gradually reduce the frequency of watering. The water for irrigation should be well-maintained and warm, about 22-25 degrees, which allows plants to absorb moisture without stress.
Top dressing in January is minimal. Plants need weak solutions of mineral fertilizers or organic top dressing. Too concentrated fertilizers can damage the roots and cause burns. The first top dressing is recommended a week after the appearance of the real leaves, then once every 10-14 days.
Seedlings should have sufficient space for growth. Picking helps to strengthen the roots and prevent the sprouts from pulling out. It is important to keep the distance between the plants and rotate the containers several times a day so that each sprout receives uniform lighting.
Hardening of seedlings is another important stage. Two to three weeks before transplanting to a greenhouse or balcony, the plants gradually get used to the low temperatures. For cold—resistant crops, the temperature is reduced to 6-8 degrees, for heat—loving crops - to 12-14 degrees, for melons - to 15-18 degrees. This strengthens the stems and leaves, increases survival, and reduces stress during transplantation.
Comprehensive care in January — lighting, temperature, watering, fertilizing, picking and hardening — allows you to preserve the health of plants and prepare them for successful spring planting, ensuring a rich harvest in the future.
Lunar calendar for January 2026: what to sow and when
The beginning of January — the waxing Moon (1-2 numbers) — is favorable for green crops and soil preparation in containers. On these days, you can sow parsley, dill, lettuce, and prepare containers for vegetable seedlings.
The full moon on January 3 is an unfavorable day for any planting, it is better to devote it to the sanitary treatment of plants, loosening and removing weeds.
From January 4 to January 17— the waning Moon. It is optimal to sow root crops, bulbous crops, fertilize and take care of indoor greenery. This period is also suitable for caring for seedlings that have already been planted and preparing seeds for future crops.
The new moon on January 18 is an extremely unfavorable day for landings. It is better to use it for planning, preparing the ground and reviewing the schedule of work.
From January 19th to 31st— the waxing Moon. This is the period of active plant growth, when it is favorable to sow greenery, leafy crops, ornamental flowers and vegetable seedlings. During this period, it is also possible to temper seedlings, prepare containers for spring crops and strengthen the root system of plants before transplanting.
Following the recommendations of the lunar calendar, you can get strong, healthy seedlings, which will allow you to prepare for spring planting and get a rich harvest.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
