What to Plant in February: A Guide for Gardeners

February is a transitional month in gardening, offering opportunities to start planting indoors, in greenhouses, or directly outdoors in some regions. Depending on your climate and garden type, February is ideal for sowing seeds, preparing beds, and planning for a fruitful growing season. Discover what to plant in February and tips for making the most of this pre-spring month.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Vegetables to Plant in February
3. Herbs to Plant in February
4. Flowers to Plant in February
5. Indoor Gardening Tips for February
6. Outdoor Gardening Tips for February
7. FAQs About February Planting
8. Conclusion
9. Meta Description

Introduction

As winter begins to wane, February is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming gardening season. While the weather may still be cold in many regions, there are plenty of plants you can start growing indoors, under cover, or outdoors in frost-free areas.

Vegetables to Plant in February

1. Indoors or Greenhouse:
   • Tomatoes
   • Peppers (bell, chili)
   • Eggplants
   • Cabbage
   • Lettuce
2. Outdoors (Frost-Free Areas):
   • Spinach
   • Kale
   • Radishes
   • Onions (sets or seeds)
   • Broad beans
3. Under Cover or Cold Frame:
   • Carrots
   • Parsnips
   • Spring onions

Herbs to Plant in February

1. Indoors:
   • Basil
   • Parsley
   • Chives
2. Greenhouse or Cold Frame:
   • Coriander
   • Dill
3. Outdoors (Mild Climates):
   • Thyme
   • Rosemary
   • Mint

Flowers to Plant in February

1. Indoors or Greenhouse:
   • Petunias
   • Geraniums
   • Begonias
2. Outdoors (Cool-Weather Tolerant):
   • Pansies
   • Sweet peas
   • Violas
3. Perennials:
   • Lupines
   • Delphiniums
   • Foxgloves

Indoor Gardening Tips for February

1. Start Seeds Indoors:
   • Use seed trays and quality compost to start early crops and flowers.
2. Provide Adequate Light:
   • Place trays near sunny windows or use grow lights for consistent light exposure.
3. Control Temperature:
   • Maintain a steady indoor temperature between 18°C and 22°C (65°F–72°F).
4. Water Sparingly:
   • Avoid overwatering; keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Outdoor Gardening Tips for February

1. Prepare Garden Beds:
   • Remove debris, add compost, and loosen soil for planting.
2. Protect Plants:
   • Use cloches, fleece, or cold frames to shield young plants from frost.
3. Prune and Tidy:
   • Prune roses, fruit trees, and shrubs to promote healthy growth.
4. Plant Hardy Vegetables:
   • In mild climates, direct sow hardy crops like spinach and kale.

FAQs About February Planting

1. What can I plant outdoors in February?

Answer: Hardy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broad beans, as well as cold-tolerant flowers like pansies and sweet peas.

2. Is February too early to start seeds indoors?

Answer: No, it’s the perfect time to start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors.

3. Can I plant potatoes in February?

Answer: Yes, early potato varieties can be chitted and planted in frost-free areas.

4. Should I use a greenhouse in February?

Answer: A greenhouse is ideal for starting tender plants and extending the growing season.

5. How do I protect young plants from frost?

Answer: Use cloches, row covers, or fleece to shield plants from freezing temperatures.

Conclusion

February is a critical month for gardeners to start planning and planting for the growing season. Whether you’re sowing seeds indoors, preparing your garden beds, or planting hardy crops outdoors, there’s plenty to do this month. By taking advantage of the right techniques and plant choices, you can set the stage for a successful and bountiful year in the garden.