What to plant in February
February is the critical month for starting tomatoes and peppers indoors (zones 5–7), continuing onion and leek starts from January, and direct sowing cool-season crops outdoors in zones 8–10. Don't start tomatoes before your last frost minus 6–8 weeks — early starts lead to root
February marks the beginning of serious indoor seed starting for most American gardeners. Tomatoes and peppers go in the tray this month for zones 5–7. Cool-season crops push into the ground in zones 7–9. And in zones 9–11, warm-season planting begins.
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Indoor seed starting in February
Tomatoes — the most important start of the year
Per Penn State Extension, tomatoes should be started indoors "6–8 weeks before the expected last frost date." February start dates by zone:
| Zone | Approx. last frost | Start tomatoes indoors |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 (Chicago, Denver) | May 15–30 | March 15–April 1 (start late Feb for zone 5b) |
| Zone 6 (Philadelphia, Columbus) | April 15–30 | March 1–15 (start late Feb for zone 6b) |
| Zone 7 (Long Island, DC) | April 1–15 | Mid-February to March 1 |
| Zone 8 (Atlanta, Charlotte) | March 15–30 | Late January to February 15 |
For zone 7 — my zone — mid-February is the target start date. I typically sow tomato seed the second weekend of February and have stocky transplants ready for May planting.
Sowing depth: Per Penn State Extension, sow tomato seeds 1/4 inch deep. Germination takes 5–10 days at 70–80°F. A seedling heat mat under the seed tray speeds germination significantly — use it until sprouts appear, then remove.
Light: Tomato seedlings require 14–16 hours of light daily under artificial lights, or a very bright south window. Per Cornell Cooperative Extension, "insufficient light is the number one cause of leggy, weak seedlings." Grow lights kept 2–4 inches above the seedlings produce compact, stocky plants.
Seed-starting setup
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Peppers — start before tomatoes
Peppers grow more slowly than tomatoes. Per Penn State Extension, "peppers should be started 8–10 weeks before transplanting." For zone 7 with last frost around April 15, start peppers February 1–15. For zone 6, start in mid-to-late January.
Pepper seed germination requires warm soil temperatures — 80–85°F for best results. A heat mat is more critical for peppers than tomatoes. Per NC State Extension, without bottom heat, "pepper germination is slow and irregular, sometimes taking 3–4 weeks."
Eggplant
Same timing as peppers — 8–10 weeks before last frost. Germination also requires 80–85°F soil temperature.
Continuing January starts
If you started onions, leeks, and parsley in January, February is the month to thin seedlings and pot up to larger containers if root-bound. Onion seedlings should be trimmed to 3–4 inches tall when they exceed 4 inches.
Flowers for summer color
Petunias and Calibrachoa: 10–12 weeks before last frost. Zone 7 gardeners start in late January to early February.
Snapdragons: 10–12 weeks before last frost. Zone 7: start in early February.
Lobelia: Very small seeds that need light to germinate. 10–12 weeks before last frost. Surface-sow; press into moist mix but do not cover.
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum): 12–14 weeks before last frost. Per Clemson HGIC, "starting geraniums from seed is a long process" requiring a warm (70–75°F) germination environment.