What to Plant in February 2024 [Best Plants to Sow + Grow] (2024)

By: Cheryl Spencer, Certified Gardener

INSIDE: Learn what to plant in February – flowers, vegetables, and herbs to plant and sow this month.

It may be hard to believe, but it’s time to start planning this year’s garden!

Don’t let February’s gray skies, frigid temperatures, and snow-capped gardens fool you.

🌷Spring is just around the corner…

So, now’s the time to decide what you want to grow this year.

Once you have your garden plan ready, you’ll know exactly what to plant in February.

There are plenty of flowers, fruits, and vegetables to sow and grow this month.

Keep reading for a full list of things to plant and seeds to start in February.

What vegetables to plant in February

If you live in a warm-weather growing zone, you can start sowing your vegetable seeds outdoors this month.
In cooler areas, you can jumpstart your gardening season when you start seeds indoors in February. It’s is the perfect time to sow warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers inside on a seed starting rack with lights. (A sunny windowsill isn’t enough – it’s one of the biggest causes of leggy seedlings.)

Related: Are leggy seedlings bad?

BONUS: As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, download a free February gardening checklist. It’s everything you need to do in February!

Vegetable seeds to sow in February

If your soil isn’t frozen there are a few things you can plant or sow in your garden. Most of these will do better if you give them some protection like a hoop house or cold frame.

How to make it easier to sow seeds outside in February

Warm your soil with UV-stabilized clear plastic. Hold it down with rocks or bricks.
Monitor your soil temperature with a soil thermometer and remove the plastic when the soil has warmed enough to plant.

Related: Must-Have Vegetable Gardening Books

Spinach.
Radish.
Cool-season lettuces.
Greens like mustard and mache.

Here’s how to make gardening easy this month. Get a FREE gardening checklist for February when you join my newsletter.

Vegetable seeds to start indoors in February

Start seeds of onions and leeks inside if you haven’t yet.
If you use season extension techniques like cold frames or hoop houses, start transplants of lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard this month. They can go out in the garden in 6-8 weeks — plan to pot them up once before they go outside if you’re starting them in small pots.
Start seeds of early tomatoes this month. Set them out in April under Wall O' Waters.
It’s also time to start your pepper and eggplant seeds, as they take a while to germinate and grow. It’s still too early for most of us to start warm-season crops like beans and squash.
Start seeds of celery and celeriac under lights. This is my favorite way to set up a seed starting rack.

Related freebie: Grab your FREEE garden maintenance guide.

Herbs to plant in February

What to Plant in February 2024 [Best Plants to Sow + Grow] (3)

Start some basil seeds now so you can enjoy some pesto early this year.
Start seeds of perennial herbs such as sage, oregano, and thyme if you didn’t do this in January.
Start seeds of cold-hardy herbs like chives and parsley this month. They can go out in your garden in March or April since they can withstandcold weather.

Click here to learn more about what to do in your garden in February.

Watch as Liz from Byther Farm talks about what seeds to plant in February:

What flowers to plant in February

Annuals to plant in February

If you didn’t do so last month, start seeds (indoors) of annuals that require a long growing season. The list includes lobelia, petunia, vinca, browallia, snapdragon, and verbena.
You still have time to start seeds of cool-season annuals (indoors) such as pansies, dianthus, calendula, English daisy, ranunculus, monkeyflower, annual poppies, primula, Veronica, and forget-me-nots this month. Giving them an early start ensures you’ll have blooming plants this spring.

Perennials to plant in February

There’s still time to plant perennials you want to start from seed in pots set outdoors.
Perennial seeds to sow in February include Bachelor buttons, Delphinium, Evening primrose, Poppies, Nicotiana, Calendula, and Violas.

Related: Discover what to sow and plant in March.

What to plant in February (indoors)

What to Plant in February 2024 [Best Plants to Sow + Grow] (4)

Plant a terrarium.
- Look for clear-glass containers that have a lid so you can maintain a humid environment around your plants.
- Good plant choices include Pilea, Peperomia, Ivy, Artillery fern, Button fern, Baby tears, and Creeping fig.
- Pick up a copy of Gardening Under Glass to learn how to set up your terrarium the right way.
Brighten the dark, dreary days of winter with blooming tropical plants such as orchids and bromeliads.
- They can provide a welcome dose of color to every room in your home.
- With minimum attention, orchids and bromeliads will bloom for months!
- Learn more about growing orchids in Understanding Orchids.

Related: Gardening Books to Read This Winter

Frequently asked questions about planting in February

Can I plant tomatoes in February?

Yes, you can plant tomatoes in February. Tomatoes are frost-tender. And since it’s still winter, most of us will need to sow the seeds indoors, using a good grow light setup, and then transplant them later when the weather warms up. If your garden soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant tomato seeds outdoors in February.

How cold is too cold for seed starting?

Below 50°F is too cold to start most seeds, even seeds of cool-season crops. And soil temperatures below 40°F are almost guaranteed to prevent seeds from germinating altogether.

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Your turn: what do you plant in February?

Did I miss any important February planting tasks?

Let me know in a comment below!

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I'm an avid gardener with a wealth of experience and knowledge in horticulture, plant cultivation, and gardening practices. Over the years, I've cultivated various types of gardens, from flower beds to vegetable plots, and I've gained firsthand expertise in planning and executing successful garden projects.

Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:

Planting in February:
- The article emphasizes the importance of planning the garden in February, despite the cold weather. This aligns with the notion that early planning is crucial for a successful growing season.
Flowers to Plant in February:
- The article suggests that it's time to start planting flowers. This is in line with the concept that certain flowers thrive when planted early, preparing for a vibrant spring display. The mention of annuals and perennials provides a comprehensive view of flower options.
Vegetables to Plant in February:
- The article distinguishes between warm-weather and cool-season vegetables based on the growing zone. It recommends starting seeds indoors for warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers. This aligns with the concept of adapting planting strategies to local climate conditions.
Herbs to Plant in February:
- The article provides insights into starting herb seeds in February, including both perennial and cold-hardy herbs. This reflects an understanding of the different herb varieties and their optimal growing conditions.
Starting Seeds Indoors:
- The article advocates for starting seeds indoors, especially for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. It emphasizes the need for proper lighting and mentions the use of seed starting racks. This demonstrates an understanding of the challenges of leggy seedlings and the importance of controlled environments.
Terrarium Gardening:
- The concept of planting a terrarium is introduced, highlighting specific plant choices suitable for this environment. This reflects a broader understanding of alternative gardening methods, adding diversity to the gardening experience.
Blooming Tropical Plants:
- The article suggests bringing tropical plants like orchids and bromeliads indoors to add color during the winter. This concept aligns with the idea of incorporating indoor plants to enhance the aesthetics of living spaces.
FAQs about Planting in February:
- The inclusion of frequently asked questions, such as planting tomatoes in February and the temperature considerations for seed starting, reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive information and addressing common queries.

In conclusion, the article combines practical advice, seasonal considerations, and a variety of plant options, showcasing a depth of knowledge in gardening and horticulture. Whether it's planning, selecting flowers, or starting seeds, the information presented aligns with established gardening principles and practices.