Did you know that you can plant in the dreary days of February? It’s true.
Start seeds indoors to grow seedlings or, if your soil is warm enough, direct sow seeds outdoors with minimum attention. February is a great month to get cool weather vegetables ready for spring planting.
When I learned how to use the month of February as part of the gardening year, it made growing vegetables in spring much easier. In this post, I will share 5 tips on what to grow in your veggie kitchen garden in February so that you can get started growing this spring and grab the freebie for the tips in a quick download.
What makes a Kitchen Garden?
A Kitchen Garden is a type of garden designed for planting and growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other edible plants in an aesthetically pleasing and easy to manage system. It typically requires less space than a regular garden and can be tailored to different climates.
Do I need a Heated Greenhouse?
To start growing for the next season, you do not need a greenhouse. But having a few key tools will get you started in growing your garden starting in February.
Make sure to have the right kind of lighting. You don’t need natural sunlight from a sunny windowsill, which in February can be hard to find. But to grow indoors, you need artificial lighting to give your plants the energy they need to grow.
How to Find Last Frost Date
When it feels like the winter, cold weather threatens everything growing outdoors, you can still start your seeds indoors and know when the planting of your seedlings will be successful.
Determining your last frost date is important for successful gardening, as it helps inform when you should start planting your seeds. To find the last frost date in your area, look up the average last frost date for your hardiness zone using a map from a reputable source such as the National Gardening Association.
Keep in mind that this is only an average, and it can vary from year-to-year, so use it as a guideline rather than setting firm dates. Winter temperatures are different all over the world, so know when your average last freeze happens and plan accordingly for the warm conditions.
Tips for Gardening and to Plant in February
Do your best to find a garden space that gets plenty of sun. There should be 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Know your average last frost date and plan on cool season crops starting in Spring 6-8 weeks before last frost date.
Add compost and a welcome dose of natural amendments to the soil to give your seeds and plants a head start.
Start sowing seeds indoors and 6-8 weeks before last frost outdoors in a sunny spot with full sun.
Water and then check on water needs each week.
Make a Plan
Getting your spring garden in the right timing allows you to have a long growing season for cool weather crops before the heat of summer sets in.
Get Started with Seeds
Make a list of vegetable seeds that you want to plant in February. If you are not sure what to plant, check out this this post HERE to help you know what to plant in cool weather for fall and spring.
If you are starting to sow some of your seeds indoors in pots, use a heat mat to start the sprouting process. Use moist soil when you sow the seeds. Make sure the seeds are not in dry soil.
You will also need grow lights. I hang grow lights in a closet in my house to grow seeds. Check out this article on seed starting in a closet.
If you need resources to help you start seed starting, check out this RESOURCE PAGE.
Assess What Garden Needs Today
Make sure to have well drained soil. If your soil is hard and not just from the cold, then add organic amendments and compost to bring life back into the soil before planting.
The most important piece of information for you to know what you can plant in February is to check the average temperature to see what is possible.
Look at What Garden Needs for Cool Weather Crops
When the soil is warm or getting warmer and you are only 6-8 weeks away from your last average frost date, you are ready to start vegetable seeds and transplants outdoors to plant in February even in the figid weather.
If you happen to get a light frost and it is too much for even your cold hardy annuals, then you can use a cold frame or plant cloth to cover your newly planted space until the late winter stages are done.
You can also use a cold frame or plant cloth over hoops as an early start for a plant to grow even in the frigid temperatures. Start early sowings by using protectors to shield a plant until weather warms up.
What to Plant in February for Veggie Garden
Some of the veggies I plant in February are for spring garden and some are for the summer garden.
Here are a few reasons why I start seeds indoors:
1. To give plants an early start on the growing season.
2. To provide protection from extreme temperatures and pests.
3. To give plants more time to establish a healthy root system before being transplanted outdoors.
4. To be able to grow varieties of plants that are not available as seedlings in local nursery supply stores.
Start Indoors:
Spring- kale, chard, greens, lettuce, spinach
Summer- basil seeds, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, other herbs
Check out this blog post on starting seeds indoors or starting a seed starting closet to begin growing indoors so that you are ready to plant out in the right timing.
Directly Plant Vegetable Seeds Outdoors when above 40 degrees:
Spring- Sweet peas, snow peas, swiss chard, kale, greens, carrots, beets, radishes, lettuce, spinach
FAQ
Is February a good time to plant?
You can plant in February many veggies. Make sure the soil warm weather. Be sure to select varieties suitable for your area’s climate and growing conditions, and make sure they receive enough sunlight, water, and proper care.
What is best to plant in February?
The best plants to plant in February depend on your climate and growing conditions. In warm climates, you can start growing vegetables early like potatoes and onions.
Can I plant cold hardy annuals?
Cold hardy annuals are a great choice for gardeners in colder climates. These types of plants are designed to survive and thrive in freezing temperatures, making them an ideal option for cool season planting.
Plant these for a great way to add vibrant color and texture to your space since they flower earlier than other varieties that may require warmer temperatures. Be sure to select varieties suitable for your area’s climate and growing conditions.
Is February a good time to plant seeds?
February can be a great time to plant seeds, depending on where you live. In warmer climates, planting in February is ideal as the soil is generally warm enough for seed germination and the weather is mild.
If you live in a colder region, wait until the soil temperature rises in March before planting any seeds outdoors.
When starting seeds indoors, however, it’s always a good idea to start adding to your outside garden at least 6-8 weeks before your last frost date so that you’ll have plenty of time for them to germinate and grow.
Do blooming tropical plants grow in cold weather?
While some tropical plants can tolerate cooler temperatures, many of them are not able to survive and thrive in cold weather. Due to their delicate nature, blossoming tropical plants require warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight in order to grow properly.
If you live in an area with a temperate climate, choose blooming tropical varieties that are suitable for your growing zone and make sure they get adequate protection from the cold.
Additionally, if your climate is particularly cold during certain months, you may need to bring your plants indoors when the temperature reaches a certain point.
Is wet soil good for a February Garden?
It depends on the type of plants you are growing. While wet soil can be beneficial for some types of plants, too much water can lead to root rot and other problems for others.If you are growing root crops like carrots, make sure your soil has enough drainage to prevent them from rotting.