15 Seeds to Start in February for a Thriving Garden

February is the perfect time to start thinking about your spring garden. With the right seeds, you can have a thriving garden full of fresh produce in no time. In this video, we'll explore 15 seeds that are perfect to start in February to ensure a bountiful harvest.

1. Parsley

Parsley is a hardy herb that can survive cold temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in Zone 8 and above, you can start growing seeds indoors and transplant them outside in two to three weeks. If you live in Zone 7 and below, start growing indoors on your kitchen counter and transplant in March or April. Parsley is a flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's also easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

2. Onions

Onions can be started from sets or seeds and are easy to grow. Fill a flat with potting soil, sprinkle seeds on top, cover with another layer of soil, and water. In two to three weeks, the seeds will start to grow and can be transplanted outside. You can harvest onions as green onions or let them mature. Onions are a staple in most kitchens and can be grown in a variety of soils. They're also resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance choice.

3. Leeks

Leeks are perfect to grow in February and are frost hardy, tolerating cold temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings outside in about a month, making sure to plant them at least six inches deep and space them six to eight inches apart. Leeks are a delicious and versatile vegetable that are perfect for soups, stews, and roasted dishes.

4. Kale

Kale is a great vegetable to grow in February, hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is frost resistant, but its leaves may get wilted in frost. Cover them with a plastic tote or greenhouse plastic to protect the tender leaves. Kale is a nutrient-dense superfood that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's also easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the spring.

5. Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is hardy down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit and is easy to grow. Start harvesting leaves as soon as the plant has four sets of leaves, and keep harvesting older leaves to encourage new growth. Swiss Chard is a flavorful and colorful green that is perfect for salads, stir-fries, and roasted dishes. It's also easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the spring.

6. Collard Greens

Collard greens are hardy down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate frost and snow. Start growing indoors and transplant outside when the seedlings reach about two inches tall. Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and are packed with vitamins and minerals.

7. Peas

Peas are a great vegetable to start growing in January and February because they germinate quickly, in about three to five days. Sow seeds directly into the ground and cover with soil, then water. Peas are a sweet and crunchy vegetable that are perfect for salads and stir-fries. They're also easy to grow and can be harvested in the spring.

8. Carrots

Carrots are another great vegetable to start growing in February. They are frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to grow them in loose soil or in a raised bed for the best results.

9. Radish

Radish is fast-growing and can be harvested just 30 days after planting. Radishes can withstand light frost and are hardy down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. Cauliflower

Cauliflower loves the cold and is hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Start some cauliflower seeds in February for a summer harvest.

11. Cabbage

Cabbage is also hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, pests love cauliflower and cabbage, so make sure to spray your plants with neem oil almost every week.

12. Broccoli

Broccoli is hardy down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is a little easier to grow compared to cauliflower and cabbage. Start your seeds indoors first and then transplant them outside after about three weeks.

Summer Vegetables to Grow in February

You can start these summer vegetable seeds indoors in February because they take much longer to germinate and grow into seedlings. Ensuring an early start will ensure early harvest in early summer.

13. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners, and it's easy to see why. Growing heirloom, cherry, and yellow pear tomatoes is a must for any summer garden.

14. Eggplants

There are many different varieties of eggplants, but the two varieties that are easy to grow are Japanese eggplants and black beauty eggplants.

15. Peppers

Both hot and sweet peppers can be grown in the summer. Start your pepper seedlings in February and transplant them outside after the danger of frost is over for a May harvest.

In conclusion, starting these seeds in February is a great way to ensure a bountiful harvest come spring and summer. February is a great month to start growing vegetables that thrive in cold weather. Parsley, onions, leeks, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and peas are all great options to start with. Just make sure to start them indoors and transplant outside when they reach the appropriate height. Happy gardening!