What to Plant in February
USDA Zone 9a
Last frost: Feb 1 – Feb 15
Frost-free days: 250–300
Spring is arriving early — direct sow cool-season greens and start warm-season transplants indoors. Keep an eye on your last frost date for transplanting timing.
February at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Basil
Cilantro
Dill
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Mint
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Lettuce
Spinach
Beans (bush)
Beans (pole)
Cucumbers
Summer Squash
Winter Squash
Corn
Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Potatoes
Watermelon
Okra
Collards
Start Indoors 5
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Basil
Jan 15 – Feb 1
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Cucumbers
Jan 15 – Feb 1
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
Jan 15 – Feb 1
Watermelon
Feb 1–8
¼ per sq ft
70–90 days
Okra
Feb 1–8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Transplant 12
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Plant now
Rosemary
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Oregano
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Tomatoes
Feb 15 – Mar 15
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Later this month
Basil
Feb 20 – Mar 15
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Peppers
Feb 20 – Mar 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Eggplant
Feb 20 – Mar 15
1 per sq ft
70–90 days
Cucumbers
Feb 20 – Mar 15
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Summer Squash
Feb 20 – Mar 15
Winter Squash
Feb 20 – Mar 15
Direct Sow 13
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Potatoes
Jan 15 – Feb 15
1 per sq ft
70–150 days
Beans (bush)
Feb 15 – Apr 15
9 per sq ft
50–60 days
Beans (pole)
Feb 15 – Apr 1
Corn
Feb 15 – Apr 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Later this month
Carrots
Sep 1 – Mar 1
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Radishes
Sep 1 – Apr 1
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Collards
Sep 1 – Feb 1
Beets
Sep 15 – Feb 15
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Cilantro
Oct 1 – Feb 1
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Dill
Oct 1 – Mar 1
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
Lettuce
Oct 1 – Feb 1
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Spinach
Oct 1 – Feb 1
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
February Gardening Tips
- Start Watermelon, Basil, Cucumbers indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Eggplant, Rosemary, Thyme can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Corn, Lettuce, Spinach straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Check seed starting supplies — grow lights, heat mats, and fresh seed-starting mix. Order seeds early for the best selection.
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