In February, in the cold, frost-prone zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7a, it is not a busy month outdoors, but it is a great time to get started indoors on the new year's garden. February is typically quite cold and can bring snow, but you can still plant these seeds indoors for a quick harvest and a head start on the upcoming gardening season. February is also a good time to dormant-sow wildflower mixes and even some popular garden flower species outdoors. Microclimates matter—coastal/urban spots run warmer; high elevation runs colder. 7b pockets can "Mild Winter" recommendations with protection.
Outdoors: Still too cold for tender annual veg/flowers. Mulch exposed beds for spring.
Dormant Sowing: This is the technique of broadcasting when the soil is cold (below 50F), but not frozen. Gently press the seeds into the soil for good contact. Then water if feasible. The seed overwinters and sprouts naturally in the spring. We recommend dormant sowing wildflower mixes, poppies, larkspur, bachelor's buttons, calendula, rudbeckia, and columbine.
Indoors (For fresh harvesting)
Microgreens: Sunflower, pea, radish, spicy brassica blends—most ready to cut in 7–14 days.
Sprouts: Alfalfa, mung, clover, broccoli, ready in 3–7 days.
Starts to begin now under lights for transplant in early spring: Bulbing onion (intermediate-day or long-day), leek, celery & celeriac, and asparagus seed.
Herbs & greens under lights: Cut-and-come-again lettuce, baby kale, arugula, basil (warm room).
Houseplants from seed (fun winter projects): coleus, polka dot plant - if you are feeling courageous, consider begonias, impatiens, or mimosa (sensitive plant).
Starts to plant (indoors) soon: Early brassicas (March), and warm-season crops (early spring).
Tip: Prioritize sanitation, airflow, and fresh seed-starting mix for indoor setups; run lights for 14–16 hours/day to promote compact growth.





