What To Plant In February?

1. Beetroot

Beetroot is easy to grow, and if you live in a mild area, you may start it outside with cloches or horticultural fleece. Alternatively, since beetroot does not germinate well below 45°F (7.5°C), it is best to wait until the soil begins to warm up in March. You can plant without protection beginning in late March.

'Pablo' and 'Boltardy' are excellent early-harvesting varieties. To help seeds germinate, soak them overnight before planting. The seedlings should appear in ten to fourteen days if the seedlings are 4 inches (10 cm) apart in rows.  If you have planted seeds beneath cloches or fleece, thin them out to retain the healthiest seedling in each cluster. Plant a row of seeds every two weeks to guarantee a steady supply.

2. Peas

The first planting dates for growing peas outside vary by temperature and location, but in a mild area, planting them in February should be a primary priority. Your seeds will not sprout if the soil is cold and wet, so cover the ground with plastic to warm it up and then with a fleece before planting.

Planting peas in a level ditch is the traditional way. To guarantee a steady supply, pick a reliable early type, such as Early Onward, that may be planted every four weeks until midsummer. Water the trench first, then plant the seeds in three rows along the bottom, 2 to 3 inches apart. Planting peas under sections of plastic guttering is another option; however, before planting, be sure to drill drainage holes on the bottom. 

3. Spinach

An excellent way to guarantee you have lots of fresh leafy veggies is to grow spinach outside with cloches at this time of year or in containers by the back entry that you can easily protect if frost is approaching. Choose a hardy variety like 'Apollo' for best results.

Rich, wet, well-prepared soil that is finely tilled is ideal for spinach growth. You should plant seeds sparingly in rows 12 inches (30 cm) apart, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) deep. Place the seedlings in the salad bowl after they are big enough to handle, spacing them 2 inches (5 cm) apart to reduce waste.

Plant extra seeds every three to four weeks to guarantee a consistent supply of fresh spinach leaves throughout the spring. 

4. Chillies

One of the best ways to start your growing season early is to plant chili seeds during the cold winter. Although they thrive in warm climates, chilies need a long growing season, meaning they need enough time to reach full growth. Starting them indoors protects them from the extreme cold of the outdoors and ensures ideal circumstances for germination and strong root growth. You get healthy plants from this technique that will mature as the temperature rises.

Start by selecting chili seed varieties based on your growing conditions and tastes. Common types include habanero, cayenne, and jalapeño. Since these are ideal for germination, you need a seedling tray or tiny pots. Use high-quality seed-starting soil because it is nutrient-rich, lightweight, and drains well, making it the perfect environment for early plants. 

5. Eggplant

Like chilies, beginning eggplant from seeds indoors in the winter is a clever approach because these plants need a lengthy period to grow and yield fruit. Eggplants flourish in warm weather, making early indoor planting beneficial for allowing their growth to be robust before moving them outside. Careful consideration at each phase—from germination to transplanting—is essential for a plentiful yield when cultivating eggplant from seed.

To cultivate eggplants from seeds, keep a warm setting with a soil temperature of no less than 25°C (77°F). Plant 2–3 seeds sparsely in small containers filled with seed compost, lightly cover with vermiculite and water carefully. Maintain the pots to preserve heat and moisture until seeds sprout in 7–14 days. Position seedlings in ample light and nourish with balanced plant fertilizer once the true leaves emerge. Wait until frost risk has passed before transplanting outside, gradually acclimating seedlings. 

6. Swiss Chard

Among the best crops to plant in February is Swiss chard. It is a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable that grows well in mild winter and early spring. It is a wonderful selection for a garden since it is cold-resistant and adaptable. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just getting started, chard calls to anyone wanting to begin the planting season.

February is the best month to plant Swiss chard in hotter climates because of the mild temperatures and the beginning of soil warming. This timing is consistent with Swiss chard's early growth stage inclination for lower temperatures. Additionally, Swiss chard can tolerate mild frosts, making it perfect for the fluctuating temperatures common in February. 

7. Potatoes

February to March is the recommended time to start chitting your potatoes. Chitting reduces the time it takes for seed potatoes to reach full maturity by allowing sprouts to form before planting. Chitting seed potatoes in February for planting in March or April requires that they be chitted around six weeks before the planned planting date.

Seed potatoes are preferable to regular ones because they already possess sprouts, accelerating the chitting process. Arrange the seeds in an egg box or tray upright with the small, bumpy indentations in their skin facing upward. Set your tray in a cool area that receives ample light. Select an area with a temperature of approximately 50 degrees F. You might put the seed potatoes on a porch or in a well-lit garage. In about 4 to 6 weeks, it should be ready for planting.

8. Dahlias

For what to plant in February, dahlias should be your primary choice. Whether you have stored your dahlia tubers over winter or purchased fresh ones, it's time to stimulate their growth by planting them in sizable containers filled with multi-purpose compost.

Initially inspect the tubers for indications of decay or dehydration and remove any affected areas. If they look wrinkled, lightly spray them with water. The tubers are delicate, so exercise caution while handling them. Ensure the soil is damp, then relocate the pots to a greenhouse or a windowsill.

A fast way to boost your dahlias is by potting tubers early to promote growth and then taking cuttings when new shoots emerge. In about 6 to 8 weeks, you can develop a strong, well-established cutting ready for planting.

9. Pansies

In regions that don't experience frost, like Florida, February is the best month to plant cold-tolerant annuals like pansies. They thrive in mild winter and add beauty to gardens during the dormant season when most other plants are dormant. Pansies, known for their wide range of hues and distinctive "face-like" designs, are a reliable and versatile option for February planting.

Pansies may withstand mild frosts and colder temperatures. Despite their preference for mild climates, they are resilient, which makes them an ideal choice for regions where winter is ending but spring warmth has not fully taken hold. Pansies usually recover quickly from an unexpected cold snap if the frost is minimal and the plants are otherwise healthy.

10. Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is among the top choices for cultivation in February. Known for its striking silvery-sage foliage, dusty miller adds a unique contrast to gardens, especially when paired with colorful blooms. Often grown as an annual, it is a plant resistant to cold that can thrive in conditions that may experience light frosts, making it an excellent option for gardeners looking to enrich their winter landscape with texture and beauty.

Although dusty miller is resilient to cold, sudden cold snaps can jeopardize newly planted specimens. You should watch the weather and cover the plants during severe cold to safeguard them. A highly effective technique is to hydrate the soil around the plants before a freeze. This method stabilizes the root zone and increases their survival rate.

11. Alliums

Alliums are a great choice for February planting because they are simple to grow and thrive in both pots and borders. They do best in deep pots, and the key to success is a high-quality all-purpose potting compost mixed with horticultural grit. 

Plant them in garden borders about four times as deep as the bulb diameter. Taller allium varieties need at least 8 inches (20 cm) between the bulbs, while lesser varieties should be 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) apart. To promote their growth, put them in a comfortable, safe spot. When necessary, move them inside to protect them from the cold.

12. Cosmo Daisies

Plant cosmos seeds indoors in February and anticipate a summer garden filled with these beautiful daisy-like flowers. They are an excellent option if you are considering a cut flower garden. The reason for selecting cosmos seeds is to extend their flowering period, allowing you to enjoy their benefits.

Fill seed trays with quality multi-purpose compost and plant the seeds with a thin layer of soil over them. Soak them well, cover them with polythene, and place them in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the polythene and move them to bigger pots. Remove the growing tip of each stem once there are two pairs of leaves, as this will prompt the stems to branch and generate additional flowers. 

13. Apricots

Apricots can be cultivated in areas where the danger of frost and snow has ended, with spring starting as early as February. For thriving apricots, grafted trees represent the ideal choice. Apricot seeds demand patience and adaptability and are inconsistent. The best option is to buy trees that are two years old and propagated from grafted cuttings.

The ideal time to plant apricot trees is before new growth starts in early spring and buds open or late fall before the soil becomes too cold. Before planting apricots, immerse plants in a container of organic compost and let the excess water drain out to avoid transplant shock. Apply a layer of fruit fertilizer to the planting zone, and after planting, ensure you water your plant thoroughly and maintain a regular watering schedule.

14. Strawberry

In February, you can grow early strawberry varieties outdoors by picking them up from the nursery or garden center. Purchase high-yield plants from a reliable vendor to guarantee a crop free of illness. You can anticipate a late spring harvest, depending on the climate, and grow them beneath a cloche to protect them from cold weather.

Strawberries are usually grown in straight rows in the garden soil. However, because of their expanding habit, they can also be grown in window boxes, hanging baskets, or containers. For an early harvest, provide them with a warm setting, such as a conservatory.

15. Hedges

The ideal time to plant a hedge is on a mild February weekend. The goal is to establish your plants before any growth appears, so your final opportunity is before the weather begins to heat up. Well-liked species suitable for planting at this time include beech, boxwood, forsythia, hawthorn, hazel, hornbeam, and privet.

Select plants that will reach the necessary height, ensuring they are robust specimens with healthy growth at the base. Or, consider purchasing bare root plants, which is a cost-effective choice, especially if your hedge will be extensive. 

16. Holly Fern

For residents of California, the best period to plant Japanese Holly ferns is from February through April. The gentle winters and steady moisture provide ideal circumstances for Holly Fern to flourish. It generates lengthy fronds featuring serrated leaflets similar to holly leaves. Inside (and in temperate outdoor climates), the shiny, dark green leaves remain lush all year round.

Japanese holly fern, as a houseplant, requires minimal care and is not as particular about humidity as other indoor ferns. Its vase-like growth habit and sturdy shape make it a superb border plant or a backdrop for vibrant annuals and perennials.

17. Cornus

Often called dogwood, ornamental Cornus comes in a range of shrub and tree shapes and is grown for its vibrant red, orange, and yellow stems, as well as its fall foliage and berries. Even for beginners, they are easy to grow. 

These versatile shrubs can be utilized as ornamental hedges or grown in a loose, visually pleasing cluster. Choose varieties with bare roots and grow them in well-prepared soil that contains some decomposed organic matter. It would be wise to use a stake to hold up the Cornus till it is established. 

18. Azalea

Azaleas may be planted in February if the soil is workable and the temperatures are cool, avoiding freezing conditions. Sowing in the spring requires patience. You must ensure that the ground has warmed up and that you are clear of any late frost or snow occurrences.

There are numerous azalea varieties, but select those appropriate for your USDA growing zone and can tolerate slight frost. One of them is the Northern Lights. They are available in various colors, and the flower buds can endure temperatures from minus 30 to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

19. Basil

You can never have too much basil. Basil germinates rapidly, but it is essential to offer warm, damp soil, approximately 70 degrees. In roughly a week, you will notice sprouts. Don't worry if they take a bit more time.

As soon as your basil starts growing, the most beneficial thing you can offer it is plenty of bright light. Basil thrives with grow lights and can become leggy if not cultivated properly. Once it starts growing, understanding how to prune basil is essential to keep it growing and healthy.

20. Thyme

Since thyme develops slowly, starting the herb indoors in early February will ensure you have a well-sized transplant ready before your spring growing season commences. The seeds are fairly small, so starting them in a stable (not windy or rainy) setting results in better germination rates.

They require a consistent temperature of about 60-70 degrees for sprouting. They will germinate in one to twelve weeks, depending on the variety, making thyme an excellent choice for an early beginning. You simply need to be a little patient.