As winter begins to loosen its grip, February offers the perfect opportunity to kickstart your spring garden indoors. Timing your planting according to your growing zone is crucial for success, and for those of us in zone 8b, where the last frost date typically falls around May 15th, mid-February is ideal for starting most seeds. If you're curious about more precise timing and planning, be sure to explore my detailed guides on "When to Start Seeds" and check out the comprehensive "Sowing Calendar" available on the website.
Essential Conditions for Starting Seeds Early
Before diving into the list of what to plant this February, let’s discuss the basics of early seed starting:
- Soil: A good potting mix, with a balanced blend of compost, peat, and vermiculite, is crucial. This mix ensures good drainage and provides ample surface area for root development.
- Temperature: Many seeds require warmer conditions than often anticipated, with optimal germination temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 84°F). Discover more about seed-specific temperatures in my post on “The Right Temperature for the Right Vegetable”.
- Watering: It's hard to overwater in well-draining trays; seeds thrive in moist conditions. If your trays lack drainage holes, keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.
Top Vegetable Seeds to Start in February
Aubergine/Eggplant
Start with aubergines as they require a long growing period. Varieties like Half-Long Violette thrive in greenhouses and need temperatures above 20°C (68°F) to prevent stunted growth. Begin these on a heat mat to ensure a warm start.
Broccoli/Calabrese
Belonging to the Brassica family, varieties like 'Monclano F1' and 'Summer Purple' are perfect for starting late in the month. Sow in seed trays and transfer to module trays, ensuring around two months of growth before transplanting.
Tomatoes
Essential for early sowing due to their lengthy maturation period. Varieties such as 'Sweetie', 'Careza Amarilla', and 'Marmande VR' should be started indoors, preferably in a greenhouse or polytunnel, to beat the cooler early spring temperatures.
Pointed Cabbage
Varieties like 'Cape Horn F1' and 'Kalibos' can also be started in February for an early summer harvest, using module trays for initial growth.
Onions and Spring Onions
Start onion seeds like 'Rijnsburger' and 'Roja de Niort' now. Use a multi-sowing method in large module trays for best results. Also consider starting spring onions like 'White Lisbon' and 'Red Ninja' for early growth.
Peas for Shoots
Contrary to some advice, starting peas like 'Heraut' in module trays is perfectly fine and does not affect their growth or flavor.
Peppers
Varieties such as 'Yolo Wonder' and 'Cayenne Long Slim' need a head start due to their longer growing time. Begin in seed trays and transfer to larger pots as they grow.
Leeks
Varieties like 'Stamford F1' and 'Carentan 2' can be started now using a multi-sowing method, saving both time and space in your garden.
Lettuces
Begin with varieties such as 'Salad Rocket', 'Grenobloise', and 'Lactuca Sativa', which don't require much space and can be grown compactly in 77 cell module trays.
Wrapping Up
Starting your seeds in February is a strategic move for any gardener looking to maximize their yield. Adjust your sowing schedule based on your specific growing zone and last frost dates to optimize plant health and productivity. For more gardening tips and tricks, keep following our blog for detailed walkthroughs of everything you might want to grow.