Seeds You Need to Plant in February

Let me guess …

It’s chilly and a tad dreary outside and you’re dreaming of warmer days and sunshine.

Me too, friend, me too.

Thankfully, we can get our garden fix as early as February with a few select seeds that can either be sown or planted this month!

Planning Your Planting Calendar

As you stand on the brink of a new growing season, pause and dedicate time to careful planning. (Your garden will thank you later!)

Sowing seeds early, particularly when faced with the constraints of a short growing season, can maximize your harvest’s potential. (If you have a long growing season, you can get by with waiting until early March to start seeds.)

That said, heat-loving crops will only be stunted if you start them too early. 

That’s why planning is so important. We recommend starting with your last frost date and working backwards from there. Your seed packet should list the ideal time of year for that plant variety to thrive. This is almost always communicated in relation to your frost date.

For February, start with the seeds that say 6-8 weeks before your last frost. 

Our Sprout to Supper Planner can help you plan every step of the process:

An Important Look at Timing & What You Need to Start Seeds in February Successfully

As February unfolds, the opportunity to begin your gardening journey starts with selecting the right seeds. Heat mats and artificial light can provide your seedlings with the warmth necessary to germinate properly. 

If you don’t have room for artificial light (or just don’t want to add to your utility bill), you can sprout seeds in a sunny windowsill, too.

By the end of the month and into late March, you should have a range of seedlings sprouting, ready to transition to the more forgiving temperatures outside. Still, unless you live in Zones 8 or higher, you’ll likely need to use a cold frame to shield these tender plants from the unpredictable elements of the late winter months. 

This protective environment offers a cozy haven, buffering against frost and chilling winds until your last frost date passes.

Vegetable Seeds to Start Indoors in February

This month presents a unique opportunity to kickstart your garden under the shelter of your home (or milk jugs, if you’ll be winter sowing outdoors). 

Starting vegetable seeds indoors in late February not only optimizes the growing cycle but also provides an array of bountiful greens by the time frost is a distant memory. 

Whether you’re nurturing sprouting tomatoes or tending to delicate brassicas, patience and proper care now will lead to lush, healthy plants ready to thrive once they transition outdoors. 

1. Onions

Onions are a hardy crop that can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early planting. Begin by sowing onion seeds indoors, providing them with sufficient warmth and light until they develop into sturdy seedlings. 

Once the threat of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into loose, well-draining soil. Onions thrive in sunny locations with fertile soil and should be spaced adequately to allow bulb development—a minimum of 4 inches apart.

2. Sweet Peppers 

February marks a great time to start sweet pepper seeds indoors, giving these warm-season vegetables a head start for a successful growing season. Choose from a variety of sweet pepper cultivars to suit your taste preferences—from bell peppers to banana peppers. 

Plant the seeds in seed trays or pots, ensuring they receive ample sunlight (or artificial light via grow lights) and warmth for germination. 

Once your last frost date has passed, transplant the seedlings into the sunniest spot in your garden. 

3. Eggplant

For gardeners eager to cultivate eggplants, February is the perfect time to initiate the growing process. Start by sowing eggplant seeds indoors, providing them with a warm and sunny environment for optimal germination. 

Eggplants thrive in warmer temperatures, so consider providing them with additional protection—like a cold frame—if there is a late spring frost. 

4. Celery

Begin by sowing celery seeds indoors, as they require a longer growing season. Celery seeds can be a bit challenging to germinate, so patience is key. 

Celery plants appreciate consistently moist soil and benefit from regular watering. 

5. Brassicas

February provides an excellent opportunity to start seeds for various brassicas, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. 

These cold-hardy vegetables can withstand cooler temperatures, making them suitable for early planting. In fact, brassicas perform beautifully when winter sown in milk jugs. 

However, if you prefer, you can certainly sow the seeds indoors, and once the seedlings are robust, transplant them into the garden. Keep an eye out for pests, as these crops can be susceptible to certain insects. 

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, and starting their seeds in February sets the stage for a fruitful growing season. 

As with any other seeds, they need warmth and ample light for germination. As the seedlings develop, transplant them into larger containers—a process known as up-potting or potting up. When all risk of frost has passed, move them to the vegetable garden. 

Tomatoes need well-drained soil and support, such as stakes, cages, or trellises. 

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Perennials to Plant in February

As the days lengthen and temperatures hint at the coming spring, it’s time to cultivate perennials. Planting these “plant once, grow forever” crops now gives them enough time to establish strong root systems. 

Perennial Herbs

As you prepare your garden for the bounty of spring, don’t overlook the robust world of perennial herbs well-suited for early sowing. These dependable cultivars are a garden’s gift that keeps on giving. 

You’ll find that herbs such as chives, thyme, and sage can be started in February to establish their roots before the spring rush. 

Consider setting up these herbs in a protected space with ample light so they’ll be ready for transition to the outside world when the warmer weather firmly sets in. 

A few of our favorite perennial herbs include:

• Lavender
• Sage
• Thyme 
• Lovage
• Oregano

Perennial Flowers

February is also the time to get your flower garden going. Sowing perennial flowers, such as Lupines or Gaillardia, during this time allows them to establish deep root systems. 

Proper preparation is key, so ensure your seedlings have the right soil conditions, adequate moisture, and are protected from any late frosts that might still pose a threat. 

If you’re primarily a vegetable grower, you may be tempted to overlook the flowers because, well, they’re not edible (though some are). However, flowers attract the pollinators that our edible plants need to bear fruit! 

Here are a few of our favorite perennial flowers:

• Peonies
• Phlox
• Foxglove
• Coneflower

By the way, February is still too early to start your annual flowers.

Can Anything Be Direct Sown in February?

You may wonder if the chill of February allows for direct sowing any seeds at all. The answer is a resounding yes, for certain hearty varieties. Peas, for instance, not only can withstand cooler temperatures but can actually thrive when  you direct sow. 

They prefer to emerge into the cool, damp garden soil of early spring. 

Similarly, some leafy greens such as spinach and kale can be sown directly. They germinate in cold weather and get a head start before the heat of summer kicks in. 

Just remember, these plants still need a little protection from the extremities of weather with mulch or row cover.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common vegetable plants you can direct sow in February:

1. Peas

You’ll find that sweet peas are hardy enough to brave the cool temperatures. As long as the soil is not frozen and can be worked, you can plant pea seeds directly into your garden beds.

Consider soaking the seeds overnight to speed up germination and sow peas about 2 inches apart for ample breathing room.

For optimal results, seek out a sunny spot sheltered from harsh winds. Peas are ready to embrace the chill; however, if the minimum temperature dips drastically overnight, consider protecting the young plants with a frost blanket or garden domes (sometimes called a bell cloche). 

Remember to give these climbers some support as they grow—trellises or stakes will ensure they thrive. 

2. Greens

In the quiet of February, when the ground is often still hard and cold, you can kickstart your garden’s productivity with a variety of greens. These leafy plants are surprisingly resilient and some can even manage with a bit of frost. Spinach, for example, is not only packed with nutrients but also can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 35°F. 

Arugula, with its peppery taste, is another robust green that can handle the chill. It prefers to start its life in cool soil and will reward you with rapid growth.

Consider planting kale or bok choy—both are superfoods that persevere through tough climates and mature quickly, providing an early harvest. 

Mustards, Asian greens, and swiss chard follow suit, with some different varieties designed to flourish in the briskness of early spring. Depending on your zone, you may need to shield these sprouts with row cover during late-season frosts. 

By sowing these greens in February, you’ll be one step ahead when the lush palette of spring finally unfolds.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes are hardy and can handle some frost, but you may need to cover with unsprayed hay or straw if temperatures plummet. 

Begin with certified seed potatoes to avoid disease. Choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil with well-rotted compost for the best results. 

Plant them about three inches deep, with the eyes pointing upward, and space them roughly a foot apart. 

As they grow, mound up the earth around the plants to keep the tubers covered. Then, it’s just a matter of waiting until the plants die back to harvest!

4. Carrots

Select a variety suited to your cooler or warmer climate and prepare a bed with fine soil—no clumps or stones. 

Plant carrot seeds sparingly to avoid crowding and thin them carefully as they sprout. A light mulch—like straw or leaf mulch—can help maintain consistent moisture. 

Remember, carrots appreciate patience as they take their time to mature. Provide ample water during dry spells and await the reward for your February efforts.

The choices made during this early phase can significantly impact the yield and quality of the harvest later in the year. That’s why it’s important to start with planning. 

Whether cultivating the robust flavors of onions, the sweet crunch of peppers, or the nutrient-rich bounty of brassicas each seed sown in February represents a promise of abundance. 

Beyond the practical aspects of securing a head start on the growing season, there’s a sense of connection to the natural rhythms of life and a tangible link to the food we consume.

The act of planting seeds in February is a small but impactful step towards self-sufficiency and a deeper appreciation for the food on our tables.