If you are confused about what to plant in your garden at the start of the year, check out the Best Vegetables to Plant in February.
For most gardeners, January is the time to search the seed catalogs and make a definite plan for the majestic garden to come to life in spring. Read our article on the Best Vegetables to Plant in February.
Do These Things in February To Have a Great Garden in Spring
Best Vegetables to Plant in February
1. Snow Peas
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum var. saccharatum
USDA Zones: You can plant peas in February in zones 7, 8, 9, and 10.
You can start the seeds indoors when the weather in your area warms up and transplant the plant to the garden later.
Best Varieties: Oregon Sugar Pod II, Daybreak, Sparkle, Green Arrow, Little Marvel, Wando, and Spring
Planting Requirement: This plant needs a consistent water schedule and prefers fertile, loose soil with plenty of potassium and phosphorus.
Learn Everything About Growing Peas In Containers and Pots
2. Chives
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum
USDA Zones: You can plant chives in February in zones 5 to 10.
This cool-season, cold-resistant perennial can be planted early to mid-spring (you can start growing chives by the mid of February) for an early summer harvest.
Best Varieties: Organic Chive, Chinese Chives, and Giant Siberian Chives
Planting Requirement: Sow the seeds of Chives directly in the garden. Alternatively, you can also try to grow the seeds indoors on a sunny windowsill.
3. Asparagus
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
USDA Zones: You can start asparagus seeds indoors from January end till February in zones 3 to 7.
Plant it one time, and the plant will continue to produce for many years to come. Start the seeds indoors and transplant them outside when the weather warms up.
Best Varieties: Conover’s Colossal, Grande Hybrid, Millenium, Purple Passion, Erasmus, Jersey Giant, Jersey Supreme, Jersey Knight, Mary Washington, and Spartacus
Planting Requirement: Ideally, Asparagus requires 8-10 hours of full, bright sunlight. This plant also needs to be planted 4-5 feet apart because, after 2-4 years, they begin to spread out more.
Read about How to Grow Asparagus in Home Garden
4. Carrots
Botanical Name: Daucus
USDA Zones: You can plant carrots in February in zones 8 to 11. Wait till March for planting in USDA Zones below 8.
There are several kinds of carrots to choose from, starting from different shapes, colors, sizes, and, of course, flavors. You can plant them in February under cloches or cover them with fleece.
Best Varieties: Carnival Blend, Tonda di Parigi, Scarlet Nantes, Short ‘n Sweet, Thumbelina, Purple Dragon, Solar Yellow, Tendersweet, Parisian Heirloom, and Touchon
Planting Requirement: Sprinkle the tiny carrot seeds on top of the soil and then thin out the seedlings after they sprout. You can also use a seed dispenser to check for enough spacing.
5. Broccoli
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
USDA Zones: You can plant broccoli in February in zones 5 to 8. You can also plant it in USDA zones 9 and 10, but it’ll be a little late.
This cool-season vegetable can be planted indoors in February. It will be ready to harvest in 60-80 days after transplantation in the container or garden.
Best Varieties: Broccoli Di Cicco, Calabrese, Destiny, Belstar, Green Magic, Purple Sprouting
Planting Requirement: You need to plant the seedlings directly in the soil in February, about 16-18 inches apart.
6. Kale
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
USDA Zones: You can start kale seeds indoors in January and February in zones 5 to 8 and outdoors in 9 to 10.
Kale seeds can be planted in February, March, or April in Mediterranean-like climates for spring crops. Make sure you use well-draining soil and provide plenty of dappled light.
Best Varieties: Red Russian Kale, Red Russian, Red Winter, Red Ursa, Vates Blue Scots Curled, Tronchuda Beira Hybrid, Scarlet, Redbor
Planting Requirement: If you grow Kale in February, you can harvest the first crop of baby Kale in a month.
Learn Growing Kale in Pots
7. Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
USDA Zones: You can plant cabbage in February in zones 5 to 9.
While planting, go for a variety that suits the season and climate of the region you are living in. If you live in a frost-free climate, plant them anytime when the temperature is 50-85 F (10-30 C).
At the time when it’s maturing, the ideal temperature is around 60-70 F (15-20 C). Read more here.
Best Varieties: Copenhagen Market, Golden Acre, Mammoth Red Rock, January King, Charleston Wakefield, Brunswick, Late Flat Dutch, Red Acre
Planting Requirement: You need to plant the seedlings out in the garden about 2-3 feet apart so that they have enough space to grow.
8. Beets
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Conditiva Group
USDA Zones: You can plant beet seeds indoors in February in zones 5 to 8 and plant it outdoors in zones 9 and 10.
Beets can be directly planted in any garden in February; soak the seeds 24 hours prior to planting to boost germination.
Best Varieties: Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia, Golden, Crosby Egyptian, Detroit Dark Red, Cylindra, Bull’s Blood, Avalanche, Early Wonder
Planting Requirement: Start seeds in the soil in February to harvest when the roots are between 1-4 inches in diameter.
9. Leeks
Botanical Name: Allium porrum
USDA Zones: You can plant leeks in February in zones 3a to 7b.
During the end of February or March, sow leek 1 cm deep in rows 15 cm apart. Use well-draining soil and ensure it gets plenty of dappled light.
Best Varieties: King Richard Leeks, Jolant Leek, Mammoth Blanch Leek, Pot Leek, Tadorna Leek, Musselburgh Leek, Hannibal Leek, Oarsman F1 Leek
Planting Requirement: Directly sow the seeds into the soil and place them 5-6 inches apart and 1/4-1/5 inch deep. Seedlings usually sprout in 10-14 days, and you can harvest the Leeks in 60-65 days.
10. Cauliflower
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
USDA Zones: You can plant cauliflower in February in zones 8 to 9.
Sow early summer varieties under cover in February; during mid-spring, plant outside. This variety will take up to five months from sowing to harvest.
Best Varieties: Snowball Y cauliflower is ready to harvest in 75-80 days. Graffiti Hybrid, Self-Blanching Snowball, Veronica Romanesco Hybrid, Fioretto 85, Flame Star Hybrid, Sicilian Violet, and White Corona Hybrid
Planting Requirement: In February, plant the seedlings out in the garden. Watch out for aphids to keep them away from your precious crop!
Check out Companion Plants for Cabbage and Cauliflower
11. Radish
Botanical Name: Raphanus
USDA Zones: You can plant radishes in February in zones 8a to 9b.
Even if the weather is not favorable, you can plant the radish seeds indoors in early spring (late February) and continue to do so every other week for a regular harvest. Read more here.
Best Varieties: Easter Egg Blend, Daikon, Black Spanish, Garden Radish, Korean Radish, Raphanus caudatus
Planting Requirement: Plant the seeds directly in the soil in February. They will grow fast, and you can harvest your radishes when they become as big as giant marbles in about 30-40 days.
12. Parsnips
Botanical Name: Pastinaca sativa
USDA Zones: You can plant parsnips in February in zones 8 to 9
Parsnip can be planted from February to June but has to be started under shelter or indoors if the threat of frost is expected.
Best Varieties: ‘Avonresister’ is an early maturing variety; it has great resistance to canker.
Planting Requirement: Choose a sunny location and sow seeds in light soil. It will take 180 days to mature.
13. Lemongrass
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
USDA Zones: You can plant lemongrass in February in zones 8 to 11.
In areas with mild winter, you can plant lemongrass from mid-February through April. Start seeds indoors and transplant them in the garden when the weather warms up.
Best Varieties: East Indian Lemongrass, Java Citronella Lemongrass, and Nard Grass Citronella
Planting Requirement: Check out this post for growing lemongrass from seeds here.
14. Aubergine
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
USDA Zones: You can plant aubergine in February in zones 9 to 11.
Sow seeds from late February to March if you are growing plants in a tunnel or greenhouse, and you will have plants ready in April-May.
Best Varieties: ‘Black Beauty,’ Galine, Clara, ‘Green Knight,’ and ‘Pinstripe
Planting Requirement: Learn about growing aubergine here.
15. Potatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
USDA Zones: You can plant potatoes in February in zones 8 and 9.
Seed potatoes can be planted in February in loose, well-amended soil. You can grow them in large pots as well.
Best Varieties: ‘Yukon Gold,’ ‘Russian Banana,’ ‘Dark Red Norland,’ ‘Viking Purple’
Planting Requirement: Learn about Growing Potatoes in Containers here
16. Globe Artichoke
Botanical Name: Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
USDA Zones: You can plant globe artichokes in February in zones 9 to 11.
Sow this perennial in February to help develop a healthy root system and plush heads. Start in pots under cover and sow one seed per container.
Planting Requirements: Use well-draining, fertile soil and select a sunny location.
Check out Best Artichoke Plant Varieties
17. Rhubarb
Botanical Name: Rheum rhabarbarum
USDA Zones: You can plant Rhubarb in February in zones 7 to 9.
You can plant rhubarb in February from crowns indoors. Use well-draining soil and provide dappled light; you can also use grow lights.
Best Varieties: ‘Giant Grooveless Crimson,’ ‘Raspberry Red’ AGM, Victoria, Stockbridge
Planting Requirement: Learn How to Grow Rhubarb in a Container here.
18. Tomatoes
Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
USDA Zones: You can plant tomato seeds indoors in February in cooler zones 7 to 9 and outdoors in 9 to 11.
You can sow the seeds in February if the temperature in your garden is warm, and you will have one truss of flowers for the garden by mid-May.
For selecting a variety, follow a simple rule: the smaller the fruit, the less sunlight and potential heat are essential to bringing the fruit to maturity.
Best Varieties: ‘Sungold,’ ‘Supersweet 100’, and ‘Black Cherry,’
Planting Requirement: Check out 13 Tomato Growing Tips For Containers here.
19. Spring Onions
Botanical Name: Allium fistulosum
USDA Zones: You can plant spring onions in February in zones 8 to 9.
You can plant spring onions in February and have them next month. This versatile vegetable is a star ingredient in garnishing food.
Planting Requirement: Check out this post and learn How To Grow Green Onions here.
20. Mini Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
USDA Zones: You can plant mini cucumbers in February in zones 10 to 11.
Mini cucumbers are fast-growing and fuss-free. Sow seeds in February if your greenhouse is heated. Most small varieties can be harvested in 50-60 days after planting.
Best Varieties: ‘Socrates,’ ‘Bush Champion,’ ‘Mini Munch,’ ‘Baby F1, ‘Beth Alpha,’ ‘Mini Munch’
Planting Requirement: Provide regular irrigation and keep the compost moist.
Discover Unique Ways to Grow Cucumbers
21. Chili Peppers
Botanical Name: Eutrema japonicum
USDA Zones: You can plant chili peppers in February in zones 6 to 8.
You can start growing chili peppers indoors in January and February; early sowing provides your chilies sufficient time to ripen before the end of summer.
Best Varieties: ‘Biquinho Yellow,’ ‘Trinidad Perfume,’ ‘Peruvian Lemon Drop,’ ‘Hot Thai,’ ‘Prairie Fire,’ ‘Carolina Reaper’
Planting Requirement: Check this post for Growing Hot Peppers In Containers here
22. Wasabi
Botanical Name: Eutrema japonicum
USDA Zones: You can plant Wasabi in February in zones 8 to 10.
Japanese horseradish or Wasabi is a good candidate to plant in February; according to experts, the best time for planting is late fall up to early or mid-winter, as wasabi seeds need cold winter temperatures to break dormancy, around two months before they sprout in February.
Best Varieties: Wasabia japonica, Eutrema japonica, Wasabi koreana, Wasabi tetsuigi, Cochlearia wasabi
Planting Requirement: Learn How to Grow Wasabi here
