What To Grow In February If You Live In A Northern Climate

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In northern climates—where winter lingers and the last frost may not arrive until late April, May, or even June—February is the perfect time to get a head start indoors. While outdoor planting is still limited, smart seed-starting now sets you up for a strong, productive growing season.

Here’s what to plant in February if you live in colder regions (USDA Zones 3–6, much of the northern U.S., southern Canada, and similar climates).


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🌱 Why Start Seeds in February?

Northern gardeners have shorter growing seasons. Starting seeds indoors in February:

Extends your harvest window

Allows long-season crops to mature fully

Gives plants a strong head start before transplanting

Saves money compared to buying nursery plants


Make sure you have grow lights (14–16 hours daily), seed-starting mix, and a warm spot for germination.


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🥦 Vegetables to Start Indoors in February


1. Long-Season Vegetables

These need extra time to mature and should be started 8–12 weeks before your last frost date.


Eggplant – Requires a long growing season.

Onions (from seed) – Especially storage varieties.

Leeks – Cold-hardy and ideal for northern gardens.

Celery & Celeriac – Slow growers that benefit from early starts.



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2. Cool-Season Crops (Late February Indoors)

You can start these indoors toward the end of February for transplanting outdoors once the soil can be worked:

Broccoli

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Brussels sprouts


These members of the brassica family tolerate frost and can go outside before warm-season crops.


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🥬 Direct Sowing Outdoors (If Soil Is Workable)

If you’re in a milder northern area and the ground isn’t frozen solid, you may be able to direct sow:

Spinach

Mâche (corn salad)

Kale

Parsley


These crops tolerate cold soil and even light snow.


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🌸 Flowers to Start in February

Many annual and perennial flowers benefit from early indoor sowing:

Petunias

Pansies

Snapdragons

Lobelia

Verbena

Delphinium


Some perennials (like delphinium and lavender) may require cold stratification.


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🌿 Herbs to Start Indoors

Thyme

Oregano

Sage

Chives

Parsley


Basil is better started in March unless you have excellent light and warmth.


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❄️ Winter Sowing Option

Another popular method in northern climates is winter sowing—placing seeds in mini greenhouse containers outdoors to germinate naturally as temperatures warm. Hardy crops like kale, spinach, and many perennials work well with this technique.


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🔥 Pro Tips for February Seed Starting

Check your last average frost date and count backward.

Use a heating mat for peppers and eggplant (soil temp 70–80°F).

Provide strong light to prevent leggy seedlings.

Don’t overwater—damp, not soggy.

Label everything!



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🌼 Final Thoughts

February may feel like the depths of winter, but for northern gardeners, it’s the true beginning of the growing season. By starting the right seeds now, you’ll be ready to transplant strong, healthy seedlings the moment spring arrives.


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