7 Must-Sow Vegetable Seeds For February To Ensure A Bountiful Summer Harvest - Best Garden Seed

As winter fades, now is the perfect time to start vegetable seeds indoors for a vibrant and productive summer garden. Sowing seeds in February gives your plants a strong foundation, ensuring they thrive once transplanted outdoors.

From fast-growing leafy greens to heat-loving summer vegetables, these best vegetables to grow in February will help you maximize your growing season. Get ready to enjoy a bountiful summer harvest with these must-sow vegetable seeds!

1. Tomatoes – Lycopersicon esculentum

7 Must-Sow Vegetable Seeds For February To Ensure A Bountiful Summer Harvest — Tomato seedlings sprouting in small containers

Few things are as rewarding as harvesting homegrown tomatoes, bursting with flavor and sun-ripened sweetness. Whether you love classic beefsteak varieties or prefer cherry tomatoes for snacking, starting seeds in February gives your plants the best chance to thrive come summer.

For successful germination, sow tomato seeds in small containers filled with well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide a heat mat if necessary to maintain a temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C). Once sprouted, ensure seedlings receive ample light from a sunny window or grow lights.

When the risk of frost has passed, harden off your plants before transplanting them into the garden. Trellising or staking early will help support their vigorous growth, leading to an abundant summer yield.

2. Peppers (Bell & Hot Peppers)- Capsicum annuum

Peppers require a long growing season, making February the perfect time to start them indoors. Whether you crave the sweetness of bell peppers or the fiery kick of hot chilies, early sowing ensures a robust summer crop.

Use small pots or seed trays filled with a light, well-draining soil mix. Peppers germinate best in warm temperatures (75-85°F / 24-29°C), so consider using a heat mat to speed up the process. Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light and transplant them into larger containers as they grow.

Harden off the young plants before moving them outdoors, placing them in a sunny, sheltered spot where they’ll thrive throughout the warm months.

3. Lettuce and Leafy Greens – Lactuca sativa and Brassica greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are among the easiest and fastest crops to grow, making them a must-have for any gardener. Start seeds in shallow trays or small pots, lightly covering them with soil. They require only moderate temperatures (60-70°F / 15-21°C) to germinate, and many varieties will be ready for transplanting in as little as four weeks.

For an extended harvest, stagger your plantings every couple of weeks. This ensures a continuous supply of crisp, tender greens all the way through spring and summer.

4. Carrots – Daucus carota

Carrots are a staple in any vegetable garden, but they require a little patience to establish. While some gardeners opt to direct sow, starting carrot seeds indoors in February can give them a strong head start before transplanting.

Use deep containers filled with light, sandy soil to prevent misshapen roots. Keep the soil consistently moist and place containers in a cool, bright location. Once outdoor conditions improve, transplant seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing their delicate roots.

For best results, thin young plants after they establish to encourage proper root development. By summer, you’ll have a steady supply of crisp, sweet carrots ready for harvest.

5. Onions and Leeks – Allium cepa and Allium ampeloprasum

Onions and leeks take months to mature, making them ideal vegetable seeds to start in February. If you want large, flavorful onions or tender, mild leeks by summer, February is the time to start them. These alliums require a long growing season but are surprisingly easy to cultivate.

Sow seeds in seed trays or small containers, barely covering them with soil. Keep the soil damp but not soggy, and ensure the seedlings receive ample light. Once they reach a few inches tall, trim their tops slightly to encourage strong root development.

Transplant into garden beds once the soil is workable, spacing them properly to allow for full bulb development. With proper care, you’ll have a delicious onion and leek harvest ready by midsummer.

6. Peas – Pisum sativum

Peas are one of the easiest February vegetable seeds to grow since they prefer cool weather and fast germination. They germinate quickly in cooler temperatures (55-65°F / 13-18°C) and can be sown in small pots or seed trays.

For best results, use biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the garden to avoid disturbing their sensitive root systems. Provide a trellis or support early to encourage climbing varieties to flourish.

Plant out once the ground is thawed, and in just a few months, you’ll be picking crisp, sweet peas straight from the vine.

7. Cucumbers – Cucumis sativus

Crisp, refreshing cucumbers are a summer staple, and starting seeds in February ensures an early harvest. Since cucumbers dislike root disturbance, sow seeds in individual pots or biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the ground.

Germination occurs best at temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C), so keep them warm and well-lit. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant them to a sunny location with well-draining soil. Providing a trellis for climbing varieties will maximize space and keep fruits clean.

By getting a head start in February, your cucumber plants will be ready to produce tender, delicious fruits long before the peak of summer.

Plan Now, Harvest Later!

Taking the time to start vegetable seeds indoors in February sets the stage for a thriving, bountiful summer garden. Whether you’re growing classic crops like tomatoes and peppers or cool-season favorites like peas and lettuce, early sowing gives your plants a strong foundation for success.

For all your seed-starting needs, from premium seed varieties to expert growing kits, browse the Best Garden Seed and get everything you need to kickstart your summer harvest!

More Gardening Inspiration:

What to Sow in February: A Complete Guide for Every Climate

Get a Head Start on Spring Gardening: The Best Seeds to Start Indoors Now