February Planting – Start Your Garden Right!
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As the chill of winter starts to fade away and hints of spring begin to peek through, experienced gardeners know that February planting is the perfect way to kickstart their vegetable gardens. While it may seem early to some, veteran gardeners understand that planting seeds now sets the stage for a much better harvest in the warmer months ahead.
Here in Kansas City, we’re in hardiness zone 5. Or zone 6. Possibly 5b….it depends on who you ask, and which update of their recommendations you’re looking at. This article from K State explains some of the confusion: Hardiness Zones Can Be Confusing. You can decide for yourself which recommendation to follow
According to weather.gov the average last freeze date in Kansas City is April 8th. That’s based on data from 1988 – present.
February Planting Indoors
February is too early to plant just about anything outside around here. March is really when we need to start thinking about planting outside. Therefore, February planting is ideal for sowing seeds indoors for later transplanting. As a result, this early start gives seeds the necessary time to germinate and establish strong roots before the heat of summer arrives.
For example, Here are some common garden vegetables that do well with February planting indoors:
- Arugula
- Basil
- Bell Peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Chives
- Collards
- Eggplant
- Jalapenos
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Sage
- Tomatoes
To make the most of your February planting endeavors, it’s essential to choose a good potting mix, have proper lighting at the appropriate time, and to choose varieties that are ideal for your growing conditions. I’ll be sharing some of our favorite varieties in upcoming posts, as well as information on lighting and potting soils.
If you’re looking for more information on February planting, here are three articles that provide valuable insights and tips:
- “February Gardening Tips and Tasks by Region and Planting Zone“ – This is a great article that covers all kinds of things to be doing for your garden in February in various planting zones.
- “Garden Calendar” – From the Greater Kansas City Master Gardeners is a great resource for things to work on year-round.
- “Starting Plants Indoors From Seeds“ – From the University of Missouri Extension office. Learn how to get a head start on your garden by starting seeds indoors and transplanting them outdoors once the weather warms up.
To sum up, by taking advantage of the February planting indoors, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving vegetable garden that yields a bounty of fresh and nutritious produce throughout the growing season.
Happy gardening!
Doc
