What to Plant in February

February may still feel like winter, but for gardeners, it marks the real beginning of the growing season.

Even if frost is still in the forecast, there are plenty of vegetables, herbs, and flowers you can plant right now. Starting in February gives you a strong head start on spring – and often leads to earlier harvests.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn exactly what to plant in February, whether you’re growing in garden beds, raised beds, or containers.

Let’s dig in

Understanding Your Last Frost Date

Before planting anything, find your average last frost date.

This date tells you when freezing temperatures typically stop in your area. It helps you decide:

• When to start seeds indoors
• When to plant outdoors
• Which crops are safe to grow now

Search “last frost date + your city” to find yours.

Cool-season crops can be planted 6–8 weeks before your last frost. Warm-season crops must wait until after it.

Is February Too Early to Start Planting?

No – but it depends on your soil and temperatures.

Ask yourself:

• Is the soil frozen solid?
• Can you dig without it being muddy?
• Are nighttime temperatures staying above 25°F (-4°C)?

If the soil is workable and not waterlogged, you can plant cool-weather crops outdoors.

If not, February is perfect for starting seeds indoors.

What to Plant in February Outdoors

Cool-season vegetables grow best in 40–60°F temperatures and can tolerate light frost.

Spinach

• Plant ½ inch deep
• Space 2 inches apart
• Thin to 4 inches
• Harvest in 30–45 days

Peas

• Soak seeds 4–6 hours
• Plant 1 inch deep
• Space 2 inches apart
• Install trellis at planting

Peas tolerate frost down to 28°F.

Radishes

• Plant ½ inch deep
• Space 1 inch apart
• Ready in 25–30 days

Perfect for beginners.

Carrots

• Sow directly (do not transplant)
• Plant ¼ inch deep
• Keep soil consistently moist
• Germination takes 10–20 days

Lettuce

• Plant ¼ inch deep
• Space 4–6 inches apart
• Harvest outer leaves continuously

Cool weather prevents bitterness.

Kale

• Plant ½ inch deep
• Space 12 inches apart
• Harvest outer leaves

Tastes sweeter after frost.

Beets

• Plant ½ inch deep
• Space 3 inches apart
• Harvest roots in 50–60 days

What to Start Indoors in February

If outdoor conditions aren’t ready, start these indoors:

Tomatoes

• Start 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Plant ¼ inch deep
• Keep soil 65–75°F
• Provide 12–16 hours of light

Peppers

• Soil temperature: 70–80°F
• Germination: 10–21 days
• Use a heat mat if possible

Broccoli & Cabbage

• Start indoors
• Transplant outside once hardened off

Eggplant

• Start early – it grows slowly
• Needs strong light and warmth

Vegetables to Plant in February by Climate

Mild Climates (Zones 8–10)

Plant outdoors:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Beets
• Kale
• Green onions

In very warm areas, tomatoes may go outside late February.

Cold Climates (Zones 4–7)

Start indoors:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Broccoli
• Cabbage

Direct sow outdoors if soil is workable:

• Spinach
• Peas
• Radishes

Herbs You Can Plant in February

Outdoors (Mild Climates)

• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Chives

Indoors (Any Climate)

• Basil
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Mint

Herbs grow beautifully in containers and need at least 6 hours of light daily.

Flowers to Plant in February

Start indoors:

• Petunias
• Snapdragons
• Marigolds

Plant outdoors (mild areas):

• Pansies
• Calendula

How to Protect February Plants from Frost

Weather can change quickly.

Use these protection methods:

Frost Cloth – Cover plants below 32°F.
Mulch – Add 2 inches around roots.
Row Covers – Create a mini greenhouse effect.
Move Containers – Place near walls or bring indoors overnight.

Remove covers during the day to allow airflow.

Container Gardening in February

You don’t need a backyard to plant in February.

Best container crops:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Radishes
• Green onions
• Herbs

Use:

• 10–12 inch deep containers
• Quality potting mix
• Containers with drainage holes

Avoid garden soil in pots – it compacts and drains poorly.

Step-by-Step: How to Plant in February

Step 1: Prepare Soil

Loosen soil 6–8 inches deep.
Add 1–2 inches of compost.

Step 2: Check Soil Temperature

Cool crops grow once soil reaches 40°F.

Step 3: Plant at Correct Depth

Follow seed packet instructions.

Step 4: Water Properly

Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Cold soil dries slowly.

Step 5: Monitor Weather

Cover plants during unexpected freezes.

Common February Gardening Mistakes

Planting warm crops too early
Tomatoes and peppers cannot handle frost.

Overwatering cold soil
Cold soil retains moisture longer.

Ignoring sunlight
Vegetables need 6+ hours daily.

Skipping hardening off
Gradually expose indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

Pro Tips for February Success

• Start small if you’re new.
• Use fresh seeds for better germination.
• Add compost before planting.
• Install supports for peas early.
• Practice succession planting (plant lettuce every 2 weeks).
• Keep a garden journal.

FAQ: What to Plant in February

Final Thoughts

February is not the end of winter – it’s the beginning of your garden.

Even small actions now – planting spinach, starting tomato seeds, preparing soil – will give you a strong and productive spring.

Start where you are.
Plant what you can.
Learn as you grow.

Happy gardening – Olivia’s Garden