Tomatoes
Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum Zone: 3-11 USDA Recommended Variety: “Roma” tomato
The most famous garden vegetable tomato needs a minimum temperature of 50 F for seed germination.
Broccoli
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica Zone: 2-11 USDA Recommended Variety: “Di Cicco” broccoli
One of the healthiest seeds to sow in February is certainly broccoli. Start sowing them around two to three weeks before the last frost.
Snow Peas
Scientific Name: Pisum sativum L (Macrocarpon group) Zone: 2a-11b USDA Recommended Variety: “Oregon Sugar Pod” snow peas
The mild-flavored snow peas need a temperature between 45 F and 75 F to germinate. They prefer cool temperatures and stop growing if it goes beyond 85 F.
Kale
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea Zone: 7-9 USDA Recommended Variety: “Red Russian” kale
Despite being a hardy plant, the wonderful kale needs to be planted indoors in tiny modules or small seed-starting soil pods. With a regulated temperature between 60 F and 65 F, you can start the seeds three to five weeks before the last frost.
Leek
Scientific Name: Allium ampeloprasum Zone: 5-9 USDA Recommended Variety: “Carentan” leek
Once the frost season ends, you can sow leek seeds directly in the garden. Start seeds indoors around ten to twelve weeks before the last frost in indoor containers. Place them on a windowsill and maintain a 55 F to 75 F temperature. Keep the well-drained soil moist by watering regularly.
Lettuce
Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa Zone: 2a-11b USDA Recommended Variety: “Buttercrunch” lettuce
You can start seeds for the lush lettuce around five weeks before the last frost. Place the pot near a window and maintain the temperature between 45 F and 70 F. Use light, well-draining soil and keep it moist by watering regularly. Mix soil with organic compost to produce healthy lettuce seedlings.
Zinnia
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans Zone: 3-10 USDA Recommended Variety: “Polar Bear” zinnia
Start zinnia seeds indoors around four to six weeks before the last frost. Sow two to three seeds together to increase germination chances. If more than one seedling sprouts, you can eliminate the weaker ones. Well-draining soil and a well-balanced fertilizer will help bloom the most stunning zinnia flowers.
Daisy
Scientific Name: Bellis perennis Zone: 4-9 USDA Recommended Variety: “Shasta” daisy
Start daisy seeds about six to ten weeks before the last frost. Don’t cover the seeds completely when you press them in the moist soil. Let some light reach them so they germinate properly. Place them in a sunny spot in your house. Harden them off before you transplant them outdoors.
Hollyhock
Scientific Name: Alcea spp. Zone: 2-10 USDA Recommended Variety: “Indian Spring Mix” hollyhock
Cold-hardy hollyhocks grown indoors need a temperature between 60 F and 70 F to germinate. These versatile plants can grow in any type of soil. Water regularly to retain moisture. Place them in a bright and sunny spot. When transplanting outdoors, pick a spot sheltered from winds to protect the vibrant hollyhocks from flopping.
Garlic
Scientific Name: Allium sativum Zone: 4-9 USDA Recommended Variety: (Hard Neck) “Porcelain German” garlic
For southern growers, February is the perfect month to plant garlic bulbs in their garden. Pick a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0) and mix it with compost. Keep the soil moist and feed it with nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the healthiest garlic bulbs.
Shallots
Scientific Name: Allium cepa var. aggregatum Zone: 2-10 USDA Recommended Variety: “Dutch Yellow” shallot
Plant shallots in indoor containers two to four weeks before the last frost. Or, plant it in the garden after the frost has passed. Pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil and moisten it with regular watering. When planting it in an indoor container, try moving it to a sunny spot. Mix compost while planting the bulb for an excellent harvest.
Basil
Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum Zone: 2-11 USDA Recommended Variety: “Genovese” basil (sweet basil)
Start basil seeds indoors around six weeks before the last frost and place them in a sunny spot. Keep the well-draining soil moist by watering regularly. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer. Basil is frost-sensitive; transplant it outdoors only when the temperature goes above 70 F during the day and 50 F at night.
Oregano
Scientific Name: Origanum spp. Zone: 4-10 USDA Recommended Variety: “Greek” oregano
Start the flavorful oregano seeds indoors around six to ten weeks before the last frost. It can miraculously thrive in poor soil where most plants can’t. As it’s moderately drought-tolerant, allow the soil to dry slightly before every watering cycle. Too much nitrogen can change its flavor, so avoid fertilizers. You can place it in any bright spot in your kitchen.
Sage
Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis Zone: 4-10 USDA Recommended Variety: “Broadleaf” sage
You can start the aromatic sage indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost. Use moist, well-drained soil and keep it in a bright area. Feed it an organic fertilizer or compost. It can take quite some time to germinate (around six weeks), so be patient.
Thyme
Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris Zone: 5-9 USDA Recommended Variety: “French” thyme
The adaptable and fragrant thyme is a great herb to plant indoors in February. Sandy and loamy soil will give you the healthiest thyme. It also requires less watering than other herbs. Feed it with a diluted, all-purpose fertilizer. Thyme is a sun worshipper, so place it in a south or west-facing window or a bright sunroom for the best results.