Written by Benedict Vanheems – January 28, 2023
While winter may still have a firm grip on the weather, February is an ideal time to get a head start on your vegetable garden. Some crops thrive when planted early, and starting them now can set you up for an early harvest. Here’s a roundup of the best vegetables to plant in February, along with tips for getting them started successfully.
1. Onions
Onions can be planted early as seeds, sets, or young plants. I prefer starting onions from seed since they are less prone to bolting (flowering too early), which results in tough, inedible bulbs. Plant onion seeds in pots or flats and transplant them into plugs for easy handling. You can also plant onions in clusters, sowing 4-6 seeds per small pot or plug, which saves time and effort during transplanting. Ensure you plant them 10 inches apart once they are ready to move outdoors in spring.
2. Shallots
Shallots are a great early crop, and they store well for many months, making them a kitchen staple. Plant shallot sets (or cloves) around 6 inches apart in well-drained soil. If you’re worried about birds, cover the area with mesh or row covers. While shallots can be grown from seed, starting with sets is more reliable since they yield multiple bulbs per plant. Shallots thrive in sunny spots with rich, fertile soil, so be sure to amend your soil with compost.
3. Garlic
Garlic is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making February an ideal time for planting—if the soil is workable. If the ground is still frozen, consider starting garlic in pots indoors until the weather improves. Garlic grows best in sunny areas with well-drained, compost-enriched soil. If you didn’t plant garlic in autumn, don’t worry; it’s not too late to get started now.
4. Fava Beans
Fava beans are one of the few beans you can sow in the coldest months. Start them in toilet roll tubes filled with potting mix to give their roots plenty of space. Once they’re a couple of inches tall, transplant them outdoors about 8 inches apart. Fava beans are excellent for adding nitrogen to the soil and provide great cover for the garden. They are also delicious in everything from hummus to stews.
5. Peas
Peas are perfect for early sowing, especially smooth-seeded varieties. Start them in plug trays to avoid disturbing their delicate roots during transplanting. Once the seedlings are about 5-7 cm tall, plant them outdoors 4-6 inches apart. Peas can be grown for both their edible pods and as nutritious leafy greens. They thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring.
6. Pea Shoots
If you’re eager for fresh greens, pea shoots are a fantastic option. Sow pea seeds in a shallow tray filled with potting mix, spacing them about 2 cm apart. Keep them indoors or in a greenhouse, away from pests like mice. Pea shoots will grow quickly and provide a fresh, crisp addition to your salads and dishes.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce can be sown indoors now for an early spring harvest. Start seeds in small pots and cover them with a thin layer of potting mix to retain moisture. Keep them in a warm, bright spot to speed up germination. Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them into plug trays to grow until the weather warms up. Lettuce is a quick-growing crop that provides fresh greens well before other vegetables.
8. Cabbage
Cabbage can be sown now for a summer harvest. Start seeds in plug trays, using two seeds per plug and thinning them to one seedling once they germinate. Cabbages need plenty of space, so transplant them 20 inches apart in nutrient-rich soil. A moisture-retentive, compost-amended bed will keep your cabbage plants happy and productive.
9. Peppers & Eggplant (Indoor Start)
If you have a warm, frost-free space to start seeds indoors, February is a great time to begin peppers and eggplant. These heat-loving crops require a long growing season, so starting them early ensures plenty of time to mature. Space the seeds in pots, cover with a thin layer of potting mix, and keep them in a warm location. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into larger pots or a greenhouse until the outdoor conditions warm up.
10. Chilies
Similar to peppers, chilies benefit from early indoor planting. Start them in pots on a warm windowsill, or use a heated propagator to encourage germination. As the seedlings grow, keep them in a sunny spot until they’re ready to be moved outside when the frost risk has passed.
Conclusion
Planting vegetables in February might seem early, but it’s a fantastic way to extend your growing season. From hardy alliums like onions and garlic to tender crops like peppers and eggplant, there are plenty of vegetables that benefit from a head start in the early months. By planning ahead and taking advantage of the season’s milder conditions, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest come spring and summer. Happy gardening!