🌱 February Sowing Guide for Polytunnels

February is one of the most valuable months for polytunnel growers. The protection a polytunnel provides allows you to start crops earlier than outdoors — but success depends on choosing the right seeds and managing temperature, light, and moisture carefully.

⭐ Recommended Products — February Gardening Essentials

• Early Spring Seed Collection (February Sowing)
A pack of seeds suited for February sowing — think early onions, brassicas, tomatoes, chillies, and early flowers like pansies and primroses. Great for getting a head start on the growing season.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Seed & Cutting Propagation Compost
Fine, well-draining compost formulated for seeds and cuttings. Essential for giving young roots the ideal environment to establish strongly without rotting.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Seed Trays & Propagator Kit
Includes reusable seed trays, modules, and clear lids to create a controlled germination environment. Helps maintain humidity and protects young seedlings.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Heat Mat & Grow Lights for Seed Starting
Provides bottom heat and supplemental light — especially helpful in February’s low light and cooler temperatures to improve germination and early growth.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Plant Labels & Waterproof Marker Set
Keep track of your sowings with durable labels and a weather-proof pen — very useful when starting lots of different seeds in February.
👉 Click here to see top options

🌿 Vegetables to Sow in a Polytunnel in February

These crops perform reliably under polytunnel conditions.

🧅 Onions (from seed)

• Sow in trays or modules
• Ideal temperature: 10–15°C

Why sow now:
Long growing season — early sowing produces stronger plants and larger bulbs.

🥬 Leeks

• Sow thinly in trays or modules
• Keep cool but frost-free

Why sow now:
February sowings lead to thicker stems and improved yields.

🥦 Brassicas (early varieties)

Includes:

• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Calabrese
• Brussels sprouts

How to sow:

• Sow in modules

Why sow now:
Produces sturdy young plants ready for planting out in early spring.

🌿 Celery

• Surface sow (do not cover seed)
• Keep warm and moist

Why sow now:
Slow-growing and needs an early start to mature fully.

🌾 Vegetables to Sow in an Unheated Polytunnel

These tolerate cooler temperatures but benefit from shelter.

🥬 Lettuce (hardy varieties)

• Sow in trays or modules
• Protect with fleece during cold spells

🌱 Spinach

• Sow in modules or directly into beds
• Keep compost just moist

🫛 Peas (early varieties)

• Sow in guttering, pots, or modules
• Protect from mice

🌿 Broad Beans

• Sow in deep pots or modules
• Can be planted out under fleece later

🌶️ Warmth-Loving Crops (Only With Extra Heat)

Only sow these if you can provide steady warmth and strong light.

• Tomatoes (18–22°C)
• Chillies and peppers (20–25°C)
• Aubergines (22–25°C)

Use a heated propagator or heat mat inside the polytunnel if needed.

🌸 Flower Seeds to Sow in a Polytunnel in February

Polytunnels are excellent for early flower sowing.

• Sweet peas
• Antirrhinums
• Lobelia
• Petunias
• Begonias (from seed)

🌿 Herbs to Sow in a Polytunnel

• Parsley
• Chives
• Coriander
• Basil (only with warmth)

❄️ February Polytunnel Sowing Tips

• Ventilate on sunny days to prevent condensation
• Avoid overwatering cold compost
• Use fleece inside the tunnel during cold nights
• Remove heat once seeds germinate
• Prioritise light over warmth after emergence

⚠️ Seeds Best Left Until March or Later

Avoid sowing these in February:

• Courgettes
• Squash
• Sweetcorn
• Climbing beans

They grow too quickly and struggle in low light.