February is one of the most exciting months in the UK gardening calendar. While winter still has a firm grip on much of the country, longer daylight hours and slightly warmer temperatures mean the new growing season is beginning to wake up.
For gardeners, allotment holders and vegetable growers, February is the month when seed trays start filling up and plans begin turning into action. Many crops can now be sown indoors, while gardeners in milder areas may even begin some protected outdoor sowings.
In this guide, we'll explore exactly what to sow in February in the UK, including vegetables, herbs and flowers that can be started now for strong growth throughout spring and summer.
Quick Answer: What Can You Sow in February?
February is a busy sowing month, especially under cover. Popular February sowings include:
Many of these crops benefit from an early start, giving them a longer growing season and potentially larger harvests later in the year.
Vegetables to Sow in February
Tomatoes
For many gardeners, February marks the start of tomato season. Early sowing allows plants to establish well before being planted out in late spring.
Popular varieties include: Gardener's Delight, Alicante, Moneymaker, Sungold, Shirley.
Tomatoes should be sown indoors in a warm, bright location.
Chillies
If you haven't already sown chillies in January, February is still an excellent time to start. Chillies need warm temperatures, plenty of light and consistent moisture. The earlier they are started, the more time they have to produce fruit during the UK summer.
Sweet Peppers
Sweet peppers require a long growing season and benefit from sowing in February. A heated propagator often improves germination rates.
Aubergines
Aubergines are among the longest-season crops grown in the UK. Start seeds indoors and keep temperatures consistently warm.
Onions
February remains an excellent month for sowing onions from seed.
Advantages include:
- Larger bulbs
- Wider variety choice
- Better storage potential
Broad Beans
Broad beans are one of the most reliable early crops. You can sow indoors in modules, sow outdoors in milder regions, or grow under cloches for protection.
Popular varieties include: Aquadulce Claudia, The Sutton, Crimson Flowered.
Peas
Early peas can be started under protection. Good choices include Meteor, Kelvedon Wonder and Douce Provence.
Lettuce
Protected sowings provide fresh leaves throughout spring. Suitable varieties include Little Gem, Winter Density and Salad Bowl.
Spinach
Spinach performs well in cool temperatures and can often be sown under cover during February.
Herbs to Sow in February
Parsley
Parsley germinates slowly but rewards early sowing. It can be grown in containers, on windowsills or in raised beds.
Chives
A reliable perennial herb that is easy to grow from seed.
Coriander
Protected sowings can provide early crops before summer heat causes plants to bolt.
Basil
Basil can be started indoors in warm conditions ready for planting later in spring.
Flowers to Sow in February
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas remain one of the best flowers to sow in February. Benefits include earlier flowering, stronger plants and better root development.
Lobelia
Perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes and containers.
Antirrhinums
Also known as snapdragons, these benefit from a long growing season.
Cosmos
Early sowings under protection can produce larger plants and longer flowering displays.
Geraniums
Still suitable for sowing indoors during February.
What Can Be Sown Outdoors in February?
Weather conditions vary significantly across the UK, but gardeners in milder regions may be able to sow:
- Broad beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Shallots
Always monitor local forecasts and protect young seedlings from frost.
MyGrowPal flags frost-risk days on your growing calendar. Set your UK postcode and the app adjusts sowing and planting-out dates to your local conditions — so you're not caught out by a late February cold snap.
February Gardening Jobs
February is often the bridge between winter planning and spring action.
Organise your seed collection
Check seed stock levels, expiry dates and storage conditions. Many gardeners discover they already own seeds for crops they intended to buy.
Prepare vegetable beds
Add compost, well-rotted manure and organic matter — giving soil time to settle before spring planting.
Clean pots and seed trays
Clean equipment helps reduce fungal diseases, damping off and pest problems.
Install supports
Before plants begin growing, prepare bean supports, pea netting and trellises.
Check greenhouse ventilation
Good airflow reduces disease problems later in the season.
Common February Sowing Mistakes
Starting Too Much Too Soon
It's easy to get carried away in February. Only sow crops that can realistically be managed and transplanted later.
Not Providing Enough Light
Seedlings often become leggy if grown in dark conditions. Use south-facing windows, greenhouses or grow lights if needed.
Ignoring Frost Risk
February can still bring severe cold spells. Always have fleece, cloches or other protection available.
Overwatering Seedlings
Young plants require moisture but not constantly wet compost.
Using MyGrowPal to Plan February Sowing
As the gardening season accelerates in February, keeping track of sowing dates becomes increasingly important. MyGrowPal helps UK gardeners stay organised by turning a seed collection into a personalised growing plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is February a good month to sow tomatoes?
Yes. February is one of the most popular months to sow tomatoes indoors in the UK.
What vegetables can I sow outdoors in February?
Depending on conditions, broad beans, peas and spinach may be suitable for outdoor sowing.
Can I sow carrots in February?
In some areas, early carrots can be sown under cloches or fleece, but many gardeners wait until March.
Is it too late to sow chillies in February?
No. February is still an excellent time to sow chilli peppers.
What flowers should I sow in February?
Sweet peas, lobelia, antirrhinums and cosmos are all excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
February is when the growing season truly begins for many UK gardeners. While frost and cold weather remain possible, there are now significantly more sowing opportunities than in January.
By focusing on long-season crops, preparing beds and organising your seed collection, you'll be well positioned for a productive spring and summer. And if you want personalised sowing reminders, weather-aware planning and a complete record of your seed collection, MyGrowPal can help make February one of your most productive gardening months yet.