🌱 What Vegetables to Sow in February (UK Guide)

February is an early but important sowing month for UK vegetable growers. While outdoor conditions are still cold and unpredictable, several crops can be started under cover to give a valuable head start on the growing season.

⭐ 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 Indoors or in a Heated Propagator

These crops benefit from warmth and protection.

🧅 Onions (from seed)

• Sow in modules or trays
• Keep at 10–15°C
• Grow on under cover before planting out

Why sow now:
Earlier sowing leads to stronger plants and better bulb size.

🥬 Leeks

• Sow thinly in trays or modules
• Provide good light to prevent legginess

Why sow now:
Long growing season — early sowing produces thicker stems.

🥦 Brassicas (early varieties)

Includes:

• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Calabrese
• Brussels sprouts

How:

• Sow in modules under cover

Why sow now:
Produces sturdy transplants ready for early planting out.

🌿 Celery

• Sow on the surface (light aids germination)
• Keep warm and moist

Why sow now:
Slow to germinate and mature — early sowing is essential.

🌾 Vegetables to Sow in an Unheated Greenhouse or Cold Frame

These tolerate cooler conditions but still need protection.

🥬 Lettuce (hardy varieties)

• Sow in modules or trays
• Protect from severe frost

Why sow now:
Provides early spring salads.

🌱 Spinach

• Sow in modules or trays
• Keep soil just moist

Why sow now:
Grows steadily in cool conditions.

🫛 Peas (early varieties)

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

Why sow now:
Strong plants are ready to transplant once conditions improve.

🌿 Broad Beans

• Sow in deep pots or modules
• Can be grown on under cover

Why sow now:
Avoids blackfly later and produces earlier harvests.

🥔 Vegetables to Prepare (Not Sow Yet)

Some crops need preparation rather than sowing.

🥔 Potatoes

• Start chitting seed potatoes in a bright, frost-free place

🌿 Garlic & Shallots

• Can still be planted outdoors if soil conditions allow

❄️ February Sowing Tips for UK Gardeners

• Always check seed packets for temperature requirements
• Provide as much light as possible
• Avoid overwatering cold compost
• Harden off plants gradually before planting out

⚠️ What Not to Sow Outdoors Yet

Avoid sowing these directly outside in February:

• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Parsnips
• Beans (except broad beans)

Cold, wet soil will cause poor germination or rot.