9 Seeds to Start in February

If you love to garden, you probably have a hard time waiting until the weather cooperates with your itchy green thumb. Maybe being out in the warm sunshine is your favorite part of the gardening season, but there’s no reason why you should have to wait until it really warms up outside to start your garden. If you’re willing to start them inside under lights and then move them to a cold frame outside, here are 9 seeds you can start in February!

1. Onions

Onions are very hardy and can easily get through the colder temperatures in zones 5 to 7.

2. Spinach

Spinach loves cooler weather. Go ahead and get it started indoors now, where it sprouts best at 60-68 degrees.You can move it outside in March, in most cases. Transplanting can be tricky, however, because of a the long taproot.

3. Broccoli

You can start your broccoli indoors 6-8 weeks before moving them outside.

4. Cabbage

Start growing this leafy green ball about the same time as broccoli — 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.

5. Herbs

There’s nothing like the taste and smell of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, chives, and basil. Start them 8-10 weeks before the last frost.

6. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is very cold-hardy. In March, you can move it to a cold frame outside.

7. Lettuce

You can start many varieties of lettuce indoors, but due to the rapid growth, use a 4″ pot. If you want to move baby lettuce outside as early as March, use a cold frame.

Green thumbs, rejoice! Get a jump on your spring planting today, and enjoy your harvest that much earlier.