February Planting Guide: What to Grow This Month

Introduction

February is an exciting month for gardeners as it bridges the gap between the quiet of winter and the arrival of spring. As days grow longer, it’s time to prepare for the growing season by sowing seeds, planting crops, and nurturing your garden or allotment. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, February offers a wide range of planting opportunities, both indoors and outdoors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what to plant in February, share tips for maximizing your success, and help you make the most of this pivotal gardening month.

Why February Is an Important Planting Month

February is the perfect time to start seeds indoors, plant hardy vegetables, and prepare soil for the upcoming growing season. With careful planning and attention, you can ensure an early start that leads to a thriving garden throughout the year.

What to Plant in February

1. Vegetables to Sow Indoors

• Tomatoes: Start seeds indoors for transplanting in spring. Use a propagator for faster germination.
• Peppers: Bell peppers and chilies benefit from an early indoor start under grow lights.
• Aubergines: Ideal for sowing in February; provide heat to aid germination.
• Leeks: Sow seeds indoors or in a greenhouse for a long growing season.
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be started indoors in trays.

2. Vegetables to Plant Outdoors

• Broad Beans: Sow directly into the ground or in pots for transplanting later.
• Peas: Hardy pea varieties can be sown outdoors under cloches for protection.
• Onion Sets: Plant onion sets or shallots in well-drained soil for a summer harvest.
• Garlic: If you missed autumn planting, you can still plant garlic cloves in February.
• Spinach: Choose winter-hardy varieties for outdoor sowing under fleece.

3. Herbs

• Parsley: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in a greenhouse.
• Coriander: Ideal for cooler conditions; sow in pots for fresh leaves.
• Chives: Begin growing indoors for an early harvest of flavorful shoots.

4. Flowers to Sow Indoors

• Sweet Peas: Sow in deep pots for strong roots and beautiful summer blooms.
• Geraniums: Start seeds indoors for vibrant summer displays.
• Petunias: Sow under grow lights for an early start to this popular bedding plant.
• Begonias: Start tubers indoors for lush summer flowering.

Preparing Your Soil in February

1. Remove Weeds

Clear the soil of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.

2. Improve Drainage

Dig over heavy or compacted soil and add grit or sand if necessary.

3. Incorporate Organic Matter

Add well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil and improve structure.

4. Cover Soil with Mulch

Protect bare soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

5. Prepare Raised Beds

Ensure raised beds are weed-free, topped with fresh compost, and ready for planting.

Greenhouse Planting in February

1. Hardy Crops

Sow lettuce, radish, and spinach in greenhouse beds or trays.

2. Early Potatoes

Chit seed potatoes indoors and plant them in large pots in the greenhouse.

3. Seedlings

Use propagators to start early crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.

4. Check Ventilation

Open vents on warm days to reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues.

5. Maintain Temperature

Use bubble wrap insulation or heaters to maintain consistent temperatures.

Tips for Success in February Planting

1. Monitor Soil Temperature

Ensure soil is warm enough for outdoor planting by using a soil thermometer.

2. Use Cloches and Fleece

Protect young plants from frost and cold winds with cloches, fleece, or polytunnels.

3. Start Seeds Indoors

Maximize your growing season by starting seeds in trays or propagators.

4. Water Sparingly

Overwatering can lead to root rot in cold conditions; keep soil slightly moist.

5. Plan Crop Rotation

Avoid planting the same crops in the same spots as the previous year to prevent pests and diseases.

Benefits of February Planting

• Early Start to the Growing Season: Sowing seeds now ensures strong plants ready for spring.
• Extended Harvests: Early planting can lead to prolonged harvest periods.
• Efficient Use of Time: Preparing soil and starting seeds now reduces spring workload.
• Encourages Biodiversity: Planting a variety of crops supports pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
• Boosts Mental Well-Being: Gardening in February helps beat the winter blues by fostering connection with nature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planting Too Early Outdoors

Cold, wet soil can hinder germination. Wait until conditions improve or use protective coverings.

2. Overcrowding Seed Trays

Space seeds adequately to prevent damping-off disease and weak growth.

3. Skipping Soil Preparation

Neglecting to enrich the soil can lead to poor plant health later in the season.

4. Ignoring Weather Forecasts

Be prepared to protect plants from unexpected frost or storms.

5. Using Poor-Quality Seeds

Always check expiration dates and source seeds from reputable suppliers.

Top 10 Questions About February Planting

1. What can I plant in February?
Sow tomatoes, peppers, onions, broad beans, peas, and hardy herbs like parsley and coriander.

2. Can I plant potatoes in February?
Yes, you can chit seed potatoes indoors or plant early varieties in pots in a greenhouse.

3. Is it too early to start seeds indoors?
Not at all! Use heat mats or propagators to start seeds for hardy vegetables and flowers.

4. How do I protect seedlings from frost?
Use fleece, cloches, or a greenhouse to shield young plants from cold temperatures.

5. Can I sow flowers in February?
Yes, sweet peas, petunias, and geraniums can be started indoors this month.

6. How do I prepare soil for planting?
Remove weeds, add organic matter, and cover bare soil with mulch to retain moisture and nutrients.

7. Should I water my February crops frequently?
Water sparingly, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.

8. Can I plant garlic in February?
Yes, garlic can still be planted in well-drained soil if you missed the autumn window.

9. What herbs can I grow in February?
Parsley, coriander, and chives are great options to start indoors or in a greenhouse.

10. How do I know if my soil is ready for planting?
Check the soil temperature with a thermometer; it should be at least 5–7°C for most seeds.

Conclusion

February is a transformative month for gardeners, offering the chance to sow seeds, prepare soil, and kick-start the growing season. By planting hardy vegetables, herbs, and flowers indoors or outdoors, you can ensure a productive and vibrant garden for the months ahead. With careful planning, proper tools, and a little patience, February planting will set you up for a successful year in the garden or allotment.

Don’t let winter hold you back—get started today and watch your garden flourish!