What to Sow and Plant in February (Indoors and Under Cover)

February is a key month for gardeners eager to get a head start on the growing season. While outdoor conditions can still be unpredictable, many vegetables and flowers can be safely sown indoors, in greenhouses or under cover to ensure strong, healthy plants by spring.

This UK-specific guide covers what to sow and plant in February, with practical advice on temperature, light and soil preparation.

Why Start Sowing in February?

Longer daylight hours and rising soil temperatures make February ideal for early sowing under protection. Starting seeds now allows plants to establish gradually, reducing stress and improving crop reliability later in the year.

🥕 Vegetables to Sow in February

Broad Beans

Sow broad beans in pots or modules under cover for early crops.

• Use deep pots to support root development
• Germinate at 5–10°C
• Harden off before planting outdoors

Early Carrots

Early varieties can be sown in greenhouses or cold frames.

• Use deep containers or raised beds
• Fill with stone-free compost
• Keep soil consistently moist

Leeks & Onions

Sow indoors for transplanting later in spring.

• Use seed trays or modules
• Provide bright light to prevent legginess

Salad Leaves

Quick-growing leaves thrive under cover.

• Sow little and often
• Harvest young for tender leaves

🌸 Flowers to Sow in February

Sweet Peas

February sowing gives strong plants ready for early planting.

• Sow in deep root trainers
• Soak seeds overnight to speed germination
• Pinch out tips once established

Snapdragons (Antirrhinums)

Ideal for early indoor sowing.

• Sow on the surface of compost
• Provide warmth and light
• Transplant once true leaves appear

Summer Bedding Plants

Many bedding plants benefit from early sowing.

• Petunias, begonias, lobelia and geraniums
• Use heated propagators if possible

🏡 Best Places to Sow in February

• Windowsills: Bright but cool locations work best
• Greenhouses: Unheated for hardy crops, heated for tender plants
• Cold Frames: Ideal for gradual acclimatisation

🛠️ Compost, Soil & Growing Conditions

• Use fine, free-draining seed compost
• Avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off
• Rotate trays for even light exposure

By sowing and planting under cover in February, you give crops and flowers the best possible start. With careful attention to light, temperature and soil quality, early sowing now leads to healthier plants and earlier harvests later in the year.