what seeds to start in feb

3 min read 11-02-2025

Meta Description: February's chill doesn't mean your gardening dreams must hibernate! Learn which seeds to start indoors this month for a bountiful spring and summer harvest. Discover the best vegetables, flowers, and herbs to sow now, plus helpful tips for success. Get your gardening gloves ready and let's get growing!

Introduction: Starting Seeds in February

February might feel like the dead of winter, but for gardeners, it's a time of exciting possibilities. Starting seeds indoors in February gives your plants a head start, leading to an earlier and more abundant harvest. This guide helps you determine which seeds to sow now for spring and summer success. Don't let the cold weather stop you from enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor!

Vegetables to Start in February

Many vegetables benefit from a head start indoors. These cold-hardy crops can tolerate cool spring temperatures and thrive with early planting.

Cold-Hardy Vegetables:

Lettuce: Various lettuce types germinate quickly and are perfect for February sowing. Choose loose-leaf, butterhead, or romaine varieties. They prefer cooler temperatures and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather.
Spinach: Similar to lettuce, spinach thrives in cool conditions. Start seeds indoors now for early spring harvests.
Kale: A nutritious green, kale is another cold-hardy option for February sowing.
Broccoli & Cauliflower: These cool-season crops need a long growing period. Starting them indoors in February maximizes your yield.
Cabbage: Like broccoli and cauliflower, cabbage benefits from early indoor starting.

Warm-Season Vegetables (Starting Early):

While many warm-season vegetables are better started later, a few can be started in February, particularly in warmer climates or with supplemental grow lights. Always check your last frost date!

Tomatoes: Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. This ensures they're robust when it's time to transplant. Use a seed-starting mix to ensure proper drainage.
Peppers: Similar to tomatoes, peppers need a long growing season. Start seeds indoors early for the best results.
Eggplant: This warm-season crop is another one that needs lots of time to mature, so starting indoors in February is often beneficial.

Flowers to Start in February Indoors

Starting flower seeds indoors allows you to enjoy blooms earlier in the season. The following are excellent choices for February sowing:

Pansies: These cheerful flowers are cold-hardy and can tolerate light frosts. They're a great choice for early spring color.
Snapdragons: These elegant flowers add height and color to your garden. Start seeds indoors for earlier blooms.
Petunias: While preferring warmer weather, starting petunias indoors in February can give them a head start, particularly if you supplement with grow lights.

Herbs to Start Indoors in February

Fresh herbs add flavor to your cooking, and starting them indoors early is a great way to get an early supply.

Basil: While basil loves warmth, starting seeds indoors early in February under grow lights gives it a boost and extends the growing season.
Chives: Chives are quite hardy and can be started in February, either indoors or directly outdoors in mild climates.
Parsley: This herb is slow-growing, so starting indoors early is recommended to maximize your yield.
Cilantro/Coriander: Both cilantro and coriander can be sown indoors now, but prefer cooler weather; sow them in pots that allow you to move them outdoors or into more sunlight as needed.

Tips for Success: Starting Seeds in February

Use a good quality seed-starting mix: Don't use garden soil; it's too dense and can suffocate seedlings.
Provide plenty of light: Seedlings need at least 6-8 hours of light per day. Use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
Maintain consistent moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to damping-off disease.
Provide adequate warmth: Most seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Consider a heat mat for optimal germination.
Hardening off before transplanting: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden to prevent shock.

Conclusion: Get Growing!

Starting seeds in February opens up a world of gardening possibilities. By choosing the right seeds and providing the proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of vegetables, flowers, and herbs well ahead of schedule. So grab your seed packets and get growing! Remember to always check your local frost dates before transplanting seedlings outdoors. Happy gardening!