What Foods to Plant in February (Vegetables, Fruit & Herbs)

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February might seem like it is still in the grip of winter but it is an important time for growing foods because spring is now so close.  That means there’s plenty of things to do in the garden both to start plants and to cultivate the ones that are already growing.  All the while keeping an eye on that weather for the unexpected!

What vegetables to plant in February

Many vegetables start their growing cycle around this time of the year but many are indoors or sheltered in some way due to the unpredictability of the weather.

Direct sow outdoors

Planting Jerusalem artichoke tubers in February is the ideal time to ensure successful growth through the growing season. The ground is warm enough for the growth of healthy shoots, but it’s still cool enough for them to adequately establish their root system with plenty of moisture on hand.

Spring planting may also be successful and can be tried in milder climates, but choosing to directly sow the tubers in February allows for a better chance of achieving a triumphant flourishing plants. With ample exposure to sunshine and proper weeding, you’ll soon be harvesting these delicious roots before autumn comes around.

While most types of plants should be planted in early spring, there’s no need to miss out on growing broad beans! If the soil isn’t yet frozen, you can sow them even now—at this late stage. Broad beans are a hardy plant, capable of surviving even cooler temperatures and tend to produce two harvests per season: one in late summer and another in early fall. Planting now will make sure you have some fresh broad beans ready for picking shortly after the warmer months arrive.

A good range of other vegetables can be started under a cold frame or cloches including:

• Broad beans
• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Early beetroot
• Lettuce
• Salad onions
• Radish
• Peas
• Spinach
• Summer cabbages

Sow in the greenhouse or indoors

February is the ideal time to begin growing potatoes in the greenhouse! If a greenhouse isn’t accessible, all is not lost: simply set pumpkins, cucumbers and tomatoes onto a sunlit windowsill. Start by soaking your potatoes overnight, then plant them in trays and keep moist. Tomato and cucumber seeds can be placed between two sheets of damp paper towel so they can germinate before transplanting into soil.

Starting your garden by getting a jump on the season by sowing seeds in the greenhouse is a great way to make sure you get the most out of your gardening experience. Asparagus pea and aubergine seeds should be started in the late winter or early spring for best results as it provides plenty of time for them to produce during their respective seasons. Taking the extra step to do so will not only save you money at nurseries, but also ensure your garden season is as bountiful as possible.

Brassicas

Planting brassicas such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and calabrese under cover is a great idea to ensure that they get off to a strong start. Ground temperatures are usually still warm at this time of year, which results in fast and healthy seed germination. Celeriac is a popular vegetable, but it is worth noting that it can take up to 18 weeks for the plant to reach full maturity, so it’s best to give the seeds an earlier head start by planting them under cover now. If your vegetables mature before the winter chilly sets in, you’ll be able to harvest wonderful crops packed with flavor and nutrition.

Leeks

Leeks, with their distinct layered structure, are a flavorful addition to any gardener’s plot. However, they can take months from seed to harvest, so don’t try to rush the process! Plant your leek seeds in the greenhouse and give them time to develop – transplant them when the soil is warm enough for strong germination and growth. If you plan it right, you could be feasting on homegrown leeks by late summer or early autumn! Keep an eye on your plants for signs of pests like slugs, and offer plenty of water and sunlight for a bumper crop.

Sweet peppers

This month is the perfect time to start sowing sweet peppers if you are fortunate enough to have a greenhouse or grow indoors. Taking advantage of the extra warmth in a greenhouse or indoors will help give those pepper plants an early start and get them off to a great beginning.

Seedlings planted at this time of year should be ready for planting out in May, giving you an abundance of freshly picked sweet peppers during the summer months ahead. Don’t forget to water and feed your seedlings regularly – although careful not to overdo it! – to ensure that your pepper crop will be as plentiful as possible come harvest season.

What fruit to plant in February

When it comes to fruit, it is essential to plan ahead and take into account seasonality. When the ground isn’t frozen in February, think about planting raspberry and blueberry canes as well as other current plants and gooseberries in your garden – depending on where you live, of course. Be sure to plan for the type of soil, pH levels, and the amount of water that each plant needs for optimal growth. Finally, read up on any tips and tricks from experienced gardeners to get the most out of your harvest!

Stone fruit trees

If you’re planting stone fruit trees this February, such as apricots and peaches, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. If your trees are more than three years old, it’s worth replacing them in order to reap the maximum benefits of an annual crop. Additionally, if your soil type permits it, planting bare root strawberries is an excellent option for adding some greenery to your garden. Of course, you’ll need to watch the weather so that the frost doesn’t prevent the plants from growing. With a little effort and care, you can have a thriving backyard garden year-round!

Rhubarb

Planting rhubarb crowns in well-drained soil during the month of February is an easy and satisfying way to get your garden up and running for the season. Not only does rhubarb look beautiful when it produces its bright stalks, but it’s also an incredibly versatile culinary ingredient. Its tart flavor adds an interesting twist to a variety of sweet and savory dishes; you can even freeze it for use later on in the year!

Selecting crowns from a reputable nursery ensures that only healthy plants make their way into your garden, allowing them to flourish as long as they are provided with enough light, water, and fertilizer. If you have an area of well-drained soil in the garden, don’t miss out on this easy opportunity to add some vibrant life and deliciousness to your yard this spring.

What herbs to plant in February

Garlic and shallots

If you want to get your garden off to a great start this spring, February is the month to plant garlic and shallots. These vegetables will quickly take root in light soils and be ready for harvest in as little as 6 months. However, if you have heavy soils then you may have to wait until March or April before they are warm enough for planting these vegetables. Remember that your soil’s texture can work against you when trying to optimize your garden so don’t over look it when planning out your garden this year!

Basil (indoors)

Growing basil on your kitchen windowsill is the perfect way to add some green to your indoor space whilst also providing you with a useful herb for cooking. Planting basil in February,whilst not unheard of, may cause issues with overly humid conditions as the weather turns warmer, so it’s best to wait until March when temperatures are more consistent if you can. So, equip yourself with some soil and a pot, find a windowsill that will provide your basil plants with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the summer months, and watch as they thrive!

Other jobs to do

A lot of February’s work is preparing for the growing season to come but there are a few jobs still to do for existing plants.

Crop rotation

Planning your crop rotation for the year ahead can be an important first step in ensuring that you get a good harvest. Take some time to think carefully about which crops will do well in each season. Consider what soil nutrients and growing conditions these plants will need when you’re making your decisions.

Covering seedbeds

You also need to start thinking about whether or not you need to cover any seedbeds to warm up the soil for planting. Depending on the type of plants that you’re going to grow, you may need to consider investing in additional materials like blankets or tarpaulins before seeding begins. Alternatively, building makeshift cloches or hilling mulch around prepped beds can also help release stored heat from the substrate and supply them with warmth on cold nights!

Improve your soil

If you have soil that’s acidic, improving soil quality is key. It’s best to rake in some lime to maintain its proper pH level. Additionally, use this time to dig over new beds and create optimal textures for your plants to thrive more efficiently. When preparing the soil in this way, make sure that weather conditions don’t impede your progress. Ideal days are sunny and dry with an especially welcome breeze mitigating any effects of humidity on the ground. When it isn’t too wet, pick a day ideally close to these guidelines and prepare your beds for ideal functionality grown healthy plants!

Feed spring cabbages

Are your spring cabbages starting to look a little sad? Give them some love and an extra boost with high nitrogen feeds! These will be sure to have them looking lush and gorgeous again in no time. Want to ensure a thick, healthy head of cabbage on every plant this season? High nitrogen feeds are the perfect recipe for success. Make sure you don’t forget to give your spring cabbages just a bit of extra nourishment for peak performance. Just go ahead and add a small amount of high nitrogen feeds– you won’t regret it!

Prune fruit trees

Now is the time to give your fruit trees the attention they need! Prune any citrus trees that are in your care — this includes oranges, lemons, limes, and tangerines. Don’t forget about the apples, pears and quinces either; they could benefit from some tender love and care too. This is your last chance before the growing season arrives and hot temperatures set in, so Pause a moment and prune away! Your trees will thank you.

Prune raspberry canes

In February, prune autumn fruiting raspberries or newly planted canes that have grown beyond 30cm in size.

This is an important task for maintaining the health of your raspberry garden and productivity levels.

To handle this job correctly, start by identifying any berry canes that grow above the 30cm mark, then measure them appropriately.

Once any canes over the limit in size have been pinpointed next take your pruners and ensure you trim them back so they fit within the given measurements.

For a smoother and quicker result, choose long slender branches with one easy single cut using secateurs.

This process of slicing away large canes shouldn’t be delayed during February as it will only mean extra work down the track when it comes to harvesting and establishing uniform rows to enable good coverage with sunshine through your raspberry plot.

Protect stone fruit trees

Stone fruit trees are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of frost. To ensure a successful harvest, almond, peach, apricot and nectarine blossoms need to be protected from the initial cold temperatures that occur at the end of winter and beginning of spring. Doing so will enable harmful insects to pollinate their flowers, giving rise to a successful yield of fruits later in the season. A few simple preventative steps will go a long way towards protecting your stone fruit tree blossoms.

Add a sulfate of potash top dressing

February is the ideal time of year to give your fruit plants some extra love. A simple top dressing of sulfate of potash can take care of that. Have you done this yet? It’s not too late if you haven’t!

All fruit plants require a bit more in the Feburary season, and adding this top dressing is an important part of that process. Make sure you don’t skip out on it– doing so could have adverse side effects for your delicate plants. Take the time now to give them the nutrients they need– it won’t cost you much but could make all the difference!

Growing food starts in February

February is the perfect time to get a head start on your gardening season. Whether you’re pruning fruit trees, protecting stone fruits from frost, or adding sulfate of potash top dressing to give plants that extra boost they need in February – there are plenty of things you can do right now to ensure successful harvests and healthy plants later this year.

Don’t wait until spring arrives; take advantage of the milder weather while it’s here! With just a few simple steps, you can make sure your garden starts off strong and ready for success all through the growing season. So don’t delay – get out there and start prepping today!