What to Plant in February
Des Moines, IA · Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 25
Frost-free days: 168
Seed starting season is underway. Get your grow lights set up and start slow-growing crops like peppers, eggplant, and onions indoors. It's too early for most outdoor planting.
February at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Chives
Lavender
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Artichoke
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Kale
Leek
Lettuce
Onion
Spinach
Strawberry
Swiss Chard
Start Indoors 21
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Brussels Sprouts
Jan 1 – Feb 28
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Leek
Jan 1 – Mar 31
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Onion
Jan 1 – Mar 31
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Chives
Jan 9 – Apr 23
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Parsley
Jan 9 – May 23
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Mint
Jan 17 – Apr 30
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Celery
Jan 17 – Apr 15
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Lavender
Jan 24 – Feb 28
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Rosemary
Jan 24 – Mar 16
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Feb 1 – Apr 15
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Feb 1 – May 8
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Broccoli
Feb 1 – May 16
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Feb 1 – May 16
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Feb 1 – May 16
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Kale
Feb 1 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Strawberry
Feb 1 – May 16
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Oregano
Feb 15 – May 8
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Feb 15 – Apr 23
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Lettuce
Feb 15 – May 8
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Spinach
Feb 15 – Apr 23
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
Swiss Chard
Feb 15 – Jul 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
February Gardening Tips
- Start Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Check seed starting supplies — grow lights, heat mats, and fresh seed-starting mix. Order seeds early for the best selection.
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