I was driving down the road the other day and a local nursery had a billboard up that reminded me that sowing season is only 70 days away. Wait, what? It seems like it was just August! I’m excited to finally get my fingers into some dirt and begin planting again. But this countdown got me thinking…what could I be doing now to help my garden in the Spring?
I could start growing, of course! Here’s what everyone should be growing in February.
Kale
Did you know that when you start your kale seeds indoors, makes them taste better? Transplant seedlings to the garden in late Spring for sweet tasting leafy greens. You will likely need a grow light; keep it on for at least 14 hours per day!
Broccoli
This year, extend the Valentines Day lovin’ to your garden! You can actually plant broccoli, IN GROUND by February 15th if you live in grow zones 5-6. Really. Cover broccoli rows with burlap to keep them warm in case of a freak snow or ice storm.
Cauliflower
If you live in zones 3-4, try planting seeds at the end of the month. The weather may be too cold, and if you are worried about it, wait until middle March.
Brussel Sprouts
I cannot wait to get my seeds into the ground because Brussel Sprouts have become a family favorite. Something about a quick garlic saute makes everyone love everything, I think! I’m jealous of everyone living in zone 7; you guys can plant your brussels ASAP! The rest of us will have to wait until after the 15th to plant.
Celery
Celery loves a cool start, and in fact, it’s said to make them more crunchy! Grow zones 5 and above can start outdoor sowing ASAP. Lower zones should wait until early March.
Onion
The “last frost” date is what should be your cue to plant your onions. Many gardeners like to get their onion seeds sown indoors about 6 weeks before the LAST frost of the season is expected to hit.
Tomatoes
You bet you can start tomato seedlings this early! Indoors, anyway! Start seeds now to be transplanted outdoors in 7 to 8 weeks. Tomato seedlings need plenty of light and moist soil. Keep temps above 65 degrees! You may have to take extra measures to protect against unexpected cold snaps. Read more on that here.
Bok Choy
Bok Choy can survive and thrive in temperatures above 35 degrees, making it the perfect veggie for early Spring gardening. Start Bok Choy indoors before the last frost. Seedlings should be transplanted outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. It takes plants about 45-50 days to reach full maturity!
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