Veggies You Can Plant in February
February is a great time to start planting vegetables outdoors, especially if you live in a temperate climate. Here’s a list of vegetables you can plant in February to get your garden off to a head start.
Cool-Season Crops
Those living in temperate climates may find that cool-season crops like broccoli, peas and kale thrive in a winter or early spring garden.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is easy to grow and can withstand cooler temperatures with ease. Prepare the soil with aged compost and plant the seeds. Once the broccoli is ready to harvest, cut the main head and allow more time for side shoots to grow.
- Peas: Peas are one of the hardiest vegetables and are commonly grown in the winter. Sow them directly into the soil, water and wait! Start picking when the pods are plump; you can even eat the tender young pods like snap peas.
- Kale: Kale will remain edible in temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). Plant in well-drained soil amended with compost and mulch to retain moisture. Prepare for multiple harvests by cutting off just a few leaves at a time and allowing the plant to grow back for further harvests.
Root Crops
Root crops like carrots, beets and radishes are some of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow.
- Carrots: Grow carrots directly into soil amended with compost. Sow carrots in raised beds or wide rows to avoid soil becoming compacted. Keep the carrots well-watered and once they’re big enough, enjoy fresh carrots with some butter and salt.
- Beets: Beets are cold-resistant, so they are some of the last harvests of the season. Sow them directly into the soil and be sure to protect them with a blanket of mulch if temperatures drop. Enjoy beets as delicious roasted vegetables or pickle them for a tasty treat.
- Radishes: Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables and require little effort when planted in the winter. In sunny, well-drained beds or containers, scatter the seeds and make sure to keep them moist. Enjoy the crisp, peppery flavor of the radishes when they’re ready to harvest.
February is the perfect time to start planting vegetables outdoors! There are plenty of options for cool-season and root crops that will thrive in the winter garden. Get your garden off to a head start by planting broccoli, peas, kale, carrots, beets and radishes this month.
