What to Plant in February: Essential Guide for a Productive Growing Season

Introduction

February marks the start of the gardening year, making it an exciting time to begin planting for the seasons ahead. While the weather may still be cold and frosty, there are plenty of crops and plants you can start sowing indoors or outdoors under the right conditions. From vegetables and herbs to flowers and shrubs, February offers numerous opportunities to get a head start on your garden.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to plant in February, including tips for successful sowing and care to ensure a productive and thriving garden.

Why Plant in February?

1. Early Start: Starting seeds now gives plants a longer growing season, resulting in stronger crops and earlier harvests.
2. Prepare for Spring: Planting hardy vegetables and flowers ensures they’re ready to flourish as soon as the weather warms up.
3. Indoors and Outdoors: February offers a mix of indoor sowing and outdoor planting for hardy varieties.
4. Maximize Time: Getting started in February means you’ll be ready for the busier spring months.

Vegetables to Plant in February

1. Tomatoes (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Tomatoes need a long growing season, so starting them in February gives them plenty of time to mature.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting compost.
  • Keep trays in a warm, bright location or use a heated propagator.
  • Transplant seedlings into larger pots when they have their first true leaves.

2. Peppers and Chillies (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Peppers and chillies also require a long growing season to produce fruit.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in pots and place them on a sunny windowsill or in a propagator.
  • Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.

3. Onions and Shallots (Outdoors)

• Why Plant: Hardy onion sets and shallots can be planted directly into well-prepared soil in February.
• How to Plant:
  • Plant sets 4 inches apart in rows, with the pointed end facing up.
  • Ensure the soil is free of weeds and well-drained.

4. Broad Beans (Outdoors or Under Cover)

• Why Plant: Broad beans are hardy and can be sown directly into the ground or under cloches in February.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds 2 inches deep and 9 inches apart in rows.
  • Protect young plants from frost with fleece or cloches.

5. Peas (Outdoors or Under Cover)

• Why Plant: Hardy pea varieties can be sown in February for an early crop.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in well-drained soil, 2 inches apart in rows.
  • Provide support with pea sticks or netting as they grow.

Herbs to Plant in February

1. Parsley (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Parsley grows well indoors during the cooler months.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in pots filled with seed compost.
  • Place pots on a sunny windowsill and water regularly.

2. Chives (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Chives are easy to grow indoors and add flavor to a variety of dishes.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in small pots and keep them in a bright, warm spot.

3. Basil (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Basil thrives indoors in February and can be transplanted outdoors later.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in small pots, cover lightly with compost, and keep in a warm location.

Flowers to Plant in February

1. Sweet Peas (Indoors or Under Cover)

• Why Plant: Sweet peas benefit from an early start to produce stunning, fragrant blooms.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in deep pots or root trainers to encourage strong root systems.
  • Keep pots in a cool greenhouse or on a bright windowsill.

2. Petunias (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Petunias add vibrant color to summer gardens and need an early start.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in trays filled with fine seed compost.
  • Cover with a thin layer of compost and keep in a warm, light spot.

3. Geraniums (Pelargoniums) (Indoors)

• Why Plant: Geraniums are popular bedding plants that thrive when started early indoors.
• How to Plant:
  • Sow seeds in seed trays and place them in a heated propagator.

4. Hellebores (Outdoors)

• Why Plant: Hellebores provide early blooms and can be planted in February for a stunning display.
• How to Plant:
  • Plant hellebore seedlings in well-drained soil in a shaded area.

Bare-Root Plants to Plant in February

1. Roses

• Why Plant: Bare-root roses establish well when planted in February.
• How to Plant:
  • Soak the roots in water before planting.
  • Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and backfill with compost-enriched soil.

2. Fruit Trees

• Why Plant: Apple, pear, and cherry trees can be planted as bare-root specimens in February.
• How to Plant:
  • Choose a sunny, sheltered spot and ensure the soil is well-drained.

3. Hedging Plants

• Why Plant: Bare-root hedging plants like hawthorn and privet can be planted to create structure in your garden.
• How to Plant:
  • Space plants evenly and water well after planting.

Tips for Successful Planting in February

1. Check the Weather: Avoid planting outdoors during heavy frost or when the soil is waterlogged.
2. Use Cloches or Fleece: Protect early outdoor crops from frost and cold winds.
3. Prepare Soil: Enrich planting areas with compost or well-rotted manure before sowing.
4. Start Indoors: Use propagators or sunny windowsills to provide the warmth needed for indoor sowing.
5. Water Sparingly: Avoid overwatering seeds and seedlings, especially indoors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planting Too Early

• Don’t plant outdoors if the soil is frozen or waterlogged, as seeds may rot.

2. Overcrowding Seeds

• Sow seeds thinly to avoid competition and weak growth.

3. Ignoring Soil Preparation

• Ensure soil is weed-free and enriched with organic matter before planting.

4. Neglecting Frost Protection

• Use cloches, fleece, or mulch to protect young plants from late frosts.

5. Overwatering Indoors

• Too much water can lead to damping off, a fungal disease that kills seedlings.

Top 10 Questions About What to Plant in February

1. What vegetables can I plant in February?
Tomatoes, peppers, onions, shallots, broad beans, and peas are ideal for February planting.

2. Can I plant seeds outdoors in February?
Only hardy crops like broad beans, peas, and onions should be planted outdoors in February.

3. What flowers can I plant in February?
Sweet peas, petunias, geraniums, and hellebores can be planted in February.

4. Can I plant bare-root trees in February?
Yes, February is an excellent time to plant bare-root fruit trees, roses, and hedging plants.

5. What herbs can I grow in February?
Parsley, chives, and basil can be sown indoors during February.

6. Do I need a propagator for February sowing?
A propagator helps maintain consistent warmth but is not essential if you have a warm, sunny windowsill.

7. How do I protect outdoor plants from frost in February?
Use cloches, fleece, or mulch to insulate and shield plants from frost.

8. Can I grow tomatoes without a greenhouse?
Yes, start tomatoes indoors and move them outdoors once the weather warms up.

9. How should I prepare the soil for planting?
Remove weeds, add compost or manure, and loosen the soil with a fork or tiller.

10. What’s the best way to water seeds indoors?
Use a spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid overwatering.

Conclusion

February is a fantastic month to start planting for the gardening year ahead. By sowing seeds indoors, planting hardy crops outdoors, and preparing the soil, you can set the stage for a productive and thriving garden. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, the effort you put in this month will pay off throughout the season.

Start your February planting today and enjoy a successful gardening year!