garden
What Seeds to Plant in February: Zone by Zone
February is the perfect time to jump-start your year’s garden. Whether you are planning vegetable seeds for your garden beds or looking to grow perennial flowers indoors, this month provides a great opportunity to get a head start on the growing season. While it’s still part of the winter months, February bridges the gap between the colder days of late winter and the early promise of spring. And besides, by February we are typically itching to get our hands back into some dirt. For gardeners, it’s a time to sow seeds that will thrive in low temperatures or give young plants the best start indoors. With some thoughtful planning, February planting can set the stage for a productive and beautiful garden throughout the year, but be careful to not start your seeds too early because then you will be up-potting and have huge plants inside before your last frost as cleared.
Understanding your hardiness zone is key to knowing what seeds to plant during the month of February. Different varieties of plants thrive in specific conditions, and paying attention to minimum temperature and light levels can make all the difference. This time of year is also a good time to review your garden plans from last year and consider what worked well. From hardy plants that tolerate cold weather to tender seedlings that need a warm spot, February planting offers a wide variety of options to suit every type of garden and climate.
Here are some resources for finding your zone, light factors, etc.:
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- Sunset’s Climate Zones (great for West Coast gardeners – that sunshine coast)
- Apps: GrowIt!, Garden Answers, or From Seed to Spoon
- Farmers Almanac
Understanding Hardiness Zones and Seasonal Timing
Knowing your hardiness zone is a great start when deciding what to plant in February. Hardiness zones, determined by minimum temperature, help gardeners identify the best time to sow seeds for each region. For example, in colder zones, seeds like kale or swiss chard are a good option for direct sowing. Meanwhile, in warmer climates, you can focus on long-season crops like sweet peppers or tomatoes. This ensures that the plants you choose are not only suited to your region but also have the best chance to thrive throughout the growing season.
This time of year, you should also consider your local frost calendar. The last frost date plays a critical role in determining when and where to plant. Starting seeds of onions indoors or using tools like a bio dome seed starting system can help get an early start for crops that require more time to mature. Planning around this date will help you create a thriving vegetable garden, regardless of whether you’re working with sandy soil, pots of moist compost, or well-drained soil in your garden beds.
These are the dome seed starting kits we have been using for years. Once our starts get big enough, we remove the top dome and add in a small fan to help strengthen the stalks.
Seeds to Start Indoors
Starting seeds indoors in February is a good idea for plants that need a long growing season. Sweet pea seeds, for example, thrive when planted in pots of moist compost and kept in a sunny windowsill. Similarly, crops like tomato seeds and chili peppers benefit from indoor planting under artificial light or grow lights to mimic full sun. Using heated propagators or a heat mat provides a warm spot to encourage germination, especially in regions where light levels are low during winter months. This method ensures your young plants have the best start before being transplanted outdoors in early spring.
To achieve the best results, focus on the growing medium and environmental conditions. Use well-drained soil or organic matter, ensuring your indoor plants receive adequate moisture without much waterlogging. Placing seed trays in a sunny windowsill or a warm area is ideal for leafy greens like swiss chard and kale seeds. By the end of the month, these indoor starts will be robust enough to transfer to outdoor garden beds, giving you a head start on your year’s garden.
We have an entire article on starting seeds indoors; including information on stratification, germination, good start mixes, bio dome seed starting systems, grow lights, etc.
Seeds to Sow Outdoors in February
For gardeners in regions with milder climates, February is a great time to direct sow cold-hardy crops outdoors. Root crops like early carrots and leafy greens, such as kale seeds or swiss chard, are excellent choices for this time of year. Sweet peas can also be sown directly into garden beds for stunning spring blooms. Ensure the soil is prepared with plenty of organic matter and is well-drained to give these seeds the best chance of thriving. Adding a cold frame or row cover provides little protection from frost, ensuring a successful crop even in colder zones.
In warmer climates, February is a good time to sow seeds for long-season crops like sweet corn or chillies. These crops thrive in full sun and well-drained garden soil, making them great options for areas that experience minimal dry spells or wet soil issues. Consider sowing peas and onions toward the end of the month as the days begin to lengthen, providing optimal growing conditions. This combination of crops ensures a healthy variety for your vegetable garden, offering both early and late harvest options.
February Planting Tips for All Zones
Regardless of your hardiness zone, February planting comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. To give your seeds the best start, focus on garden soil preparation. Enrich the soil with organic matter to improve fertility and structure. Avoid planting in wet soil, as this can lead to poor drainage and rotting seeds. If your region experiences dry spells, ensure consistent watering without overdoing it. Sandy soil, in particular, may need additional care to retain moisture for your young plants.
Timing is everything when it comes to planting in February. Start seeds of onions, leafy greens, and sweet pea seeds early in the month for the best chance of success. By late February, you can begin preparing for early March transplants or direct sowing for faster-growing crops. For those in colder climates, a cold frame or hoop house can provide the extra warmth and protection needed to extend your growing season and support hardy plants during this transitional month.
Region-Specific Planting Suggestions
In colder zones (Zones 3-5), hardy plants like kale seeds, swiss chard, and brussels sprouts are a great option for February planting. These crops can withstand low temperatures and grow well with little protection, such as a row cover or cold frame. This makes them ideal for gardeners looking to maximize their early spring harvests. Additionally, starting onion seeds indoors in cm pots is another way to prepare for transplanting once the frost risk has passed.
For milder zones (Zones 6-8), February offers the perfect time to sow vegetable seeds like early carrots, sweet peas, and leafy greens. These crops can be direct sown into well-prepared garden beds, ensuring a head start on the season. Meanwhile, gardeners in warmer climate (Zones 9-11) can focus on heat-loving plants such as sweet corn and chili seeds. These long-growing crops benefit from the ample hours of sunlight available in these regions, making February an ideal time to sow seeds for both early and late harvests.
Troubleshooting Common February Planting Challenges
One of the most common challenges gardeners face in February is wet soil, which can prevent seeds from germinating. To combat this, ensure your soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sandy soil is a good option for areas prone to heavy rainfall, as it allows for better drainage. Additionally, using a hoop house or cold frame can protect seeds and young plants from sudden dry spells or frost damage. For indoor plants, maintaining proper light levels with grow lights or artificial light ensures healthy, robust seedlings.
Another common issue is timing. Gardeners who sow seeds too early may struggle with slow germination due to low temperatures. Using tools like a heat mat or heated propagator can help maintain consistent warmth for crops like chilli peppers or tomato seeds. It’s also important to manage your watering routine—too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can stunt growth. By addressing these challenges, you can ensure the best results for your February garden.
Planning Ahead for March and Beyond
February planting lays the foundation for early March transplanting and beyond. Crops started indoors, such as sweet peppers or swiss chard, will be ready to move to garden beds as the days grow longer. By late April, you can transition your hardy plants and young vegetables outdoors, ensuring a seamless progression from the late winter to the early summer garden. This is also the best time to finalize garden plans and review which types of plants have thrived in previous seasons.
Looking ahead, the seeds you sow in February will yield great plants and a vibrant vegetable garden. Whether you are working with indoor pots of moist compost or outdoor garden beds enriched with organic matter, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to experiment with different varieties. As the growing season unfolds, your February efforts will ensure a flourishing garden full of healthy, productive plants.
Starting seeds indoors, or direct sow (depending on your local weather) prolongs your growing season and allows you to grow long-season crop. You don’t have to be afraid of those vegetables that take 90 days or more to mature. By giving yourself growing time, it gives you flexibility to have vegetables longer throughout the summer (and we won’t even get into succession planting just yet).
Gardening in February is all about setting the stage for a thriving garden in the months to come. Watching those tiny seeds sprout into something amazing is such a rewarding way to kick off the growing season. Whether you’re starting tomato seeds on a sunny windowsill, sowing sweet peas in your garden beds, or experimenting with new varieties, it’s all about finding what works for you and your space. Don’t stress too much—every garden has its lessons, and last year’s challenges might turn into this year’s successes. So grab your seed packets, roll up your sleeves, and let this month of February be the beginning of your best garden yet!
