What to Grow in February

February Gardening Tips for a Thriving Year

As winter begins to wane, February offers gardeners the perfect opportunity to start sowing seeds for the upcoming growing season. From hardy vegetables to stunning annuals, this month is ideal for getting a head start. Follow our guide to discover what to grow in February and ensure a lush, productive garden.

Essential Gardening Tools for February Planting

Invest in these tools to give your plants the best chance of thriving:

• Heated Propagators: Maintain the ideal germination temperature.
• Grow Lamps: Provide additional light to prevent leggy seedlings.
• Cold Frames: Protect plants from late frost while warming the soil.
• Greenhouses: Create a controlled environment for starting seeds early.
• Pots and Trays: Ideal for sowing seeds and transplanting young plants.

Vegetables to Plant in February

Kale

• How to Grow: Start kale seeds indoors in modules or small pots with 2-3 seeds per pot. Thin to the strongest seedling and place them on a sunny windowsill. This hardy vegetable thrives with an early start.

Tomatoes

• How to Grow: Sow tomato seeds in a heated propagator, as they require at least 10°C to germinate. Later in the month, you can use a sunny windowsill if covered to retain warmth. Transplant seedlings into larger pots as they grow.

Chillies

• How to Grow: Chillies require warm conditions to germinate, ideally in a heated propagator set to 25°C. Sow 2-3 seeds per small pot using seed compost, and cover with vermiculite for best results.

Aubergines

• How to Grow: Like chillies, aubergines thrive in warmth. Start seeds early to extend the growing season and increase fruiting potential. Sow in small pots, keep warm, and transplant as they grow.

Basil

• How to Grow: Basil prefers a minimum temperature of 15°C for germination. Sow seeds thinly on the surface of seed compost, cover with vermiculite, and keep in a heated propagator or sunny windowsill.

Broad Beans

• How to Grow: Broad beans can be sown outdoors if the soil has been warmed with cloches. In colder conditions, sow in trays in a cold frame or greenhouse. Transplant to the garden when temperatures rise.

Tips for Success

• Use Quality Compost: Peat-free compost ensures sustainable and healthy growth.
• Provide Adequate Light: Grow lamps are invaluable during the shorter days of February.
• Warm the Soil: Cloches and cold frames help harden off young plants before transplanting.

Conclusion

February gardening tips are all about preparation and getting a head start on the growing season. By focusing on what to grow in February—from hardy vegetables like kale and broad beans to colorful cosmos and fragrant basil—you’ll set your garden up for success. Start your February gardening journey today and look forward to a vibrant, productive year!