February is not just for staring out the window at the snow – it’s prime time to get seeds out and start playing in the dirt, whether indoors or outside.

Zones 1-7a: These zones experience cold winters with extended periods of freezing temperatures. In February, we limit direct sowing to dormant sowing of flower and wildflower seeds that will sprout in spring. Indoor sowing of microgreens, sprouts, and herbs is an effective way to sustain fresh produce harvests. The first of the hardy vegetable starts can be started indoors under lights or in a greenhouse for transplanting later this spring.

Zones 7b-9a: These zones experience mild winter weather, allowing some crops to be sown directly outdoors in February. These include leafy greens, some herbs, bunching onions, radishes, cover crops, poppies, sweet peas, and calendula. Don't forget to grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors!

Zones 9b-12: The warm-winter, frost-free zones of 9-12 thrive in wintertime. February is a great time to plant many vegetables, cover crops, flowers, and herbs outdoors. Enjoy a break from the hot summer temperatures while your plants are less stressed by the heat.