Starting a Garden? What to Plant in February.

If you're eager to get your garden started but aren’t sure what to plant in February, the first step is knowing your planting zone! Your USDA growing zone determines what you can plant now and what should wait for warmer weather. Once you’ve identified your zone, you can plan accordingly for the best results.

Regional Considerations: What Zone Are You In?

Before planting, check your USDA Hardiness Zone here. The U.S. is divided into zones 3-10, which indicate average low temperatures and guide planting times.

 Colder Climates (Zones 3-5)

In these zones, winters are long and harsh, so outdoor planting is still limited in February. However, it’s the perfect time to start seeds indoors for a strong start when spring arrives.

What to Plant Indoors

• Warm-Season Vegetables: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants
• Cool-Season Vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts
• Herbs: Basil, Parsley, Chives, Thyme
• Flowers: Petunias, Snapdragons, Marigolds

What to Plant Outdoors (If Ground is Workable)

• Hardy Vegetables: Onions, Shallots, Spinach, Kale
• Garlic (if not planted in fall, it can still be started now in milder areas of Zone 5)

Mild Climates (Zones 6-7)

In these moderate zones, the ground is usually workable in February, making it possible to direct seed hardy vegetables outdoors while also starting warm-season crops indoors.

What to Plant Indoors

• Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants (Start early for transplanting later)
• Herbs: Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Dill

What to Plant Outdoors

• Cool-Season Leafy Greens: Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, Swiss Chard
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Turnips
• Alliums: Onion sets, Shallots
• Peas: Sugar Snap Peas, Snow Peas

Warmer Climates (Zones 8-10)

These zones have mild winters, meaning February is prime planting season! Many crops can be direct-seeded outdoors for early harvests, and it’s even possible to plant some warm-weather crops ahead of schedule.

What to Plant Indoors

• Eggplants, Peppers, and Tomatoes (Start indoors for stronger transplants)
• Herbs: Basil, Cilantro, Oregano

What to Plant Outdoors

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Arugula, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Kale
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, Radishes, Beets, Turnips
• Legumes: Sugar Snap Peas, Green Beans
• Early Warm-Season Crops: Squash, Cucumbers, Bush Beans
• Alliums: Onion sets, Garlic
• Flowers: Marigolds, Zinnias, Pansies

Flowers to Plant in February

February is a great time to start flowers that bloom in spring and summer!

Zones 3-5 (Start Indoors): Snapdragons, Pansies, Petunias
Zones 6-7 (Plant Outdoors or Start Indoors): Sweet Peas, Daisies, Marigolds
Zones 8-10 (Plant Directly Outdoors): Zinnias, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers

Starting Seeds Indoors

For warm-season crops that need a long growing season, February is a great time to start seeds indoors.

Best Crops to Start Indoors in All Zones

• Tomatoes 
• Peppers 
• Eggplants 
• Cabbage & Broccoli 
• Herbs 

Use grow lights or a sunny windowsill to keep seedlings strong and healthy!

No matter where you live, February is a great time to start gardening! Check your zone, plan your planting, and get a head start on the growing season.

Use a seed-starting mix and keep your seedlings in a sunny window or under grow lights to ensure strong, healthy growth.

Get that Garden Going!

Starting your garden in February gives you a head start on the growing season. Whether you're planting cool-weather crops outdoors or starting warm-weather seeds indoors, now is the time to begin!

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