My Gardening Journey

February in the UK is still cold. There is a lot of tasks to do in the garden. With a little heat and frost protection, you can start sowing a variety of seeds. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what to sow in February in the UK, including the best flowers and vegetables. This guide covers flowers like asters, lupins, and nasturtiums, and vegetables including onions, parsnips, and carrots. We also give tips for germination. Use heated benches, windowsills, or greenhouses to help you start gardening early in February.

Some seeds can be started successfully if they have extra warmth and protection. The days are still short, and frost is a risk. Below are a few seeds I’m sowing this February, perfect for UK gardens.

What to Sow in February in the UK: Flowers and Vegetables

These flowers are perfect for winter sowing in the UK. They need to be sown under cover with warmth and protection from frost. Seeds suitable for sowing in January are still able to be sown in February.

Aster

Asters are sun-loving perennials with daisy-like blooms. They thrive in soil that holds water well and has added compost. Last year, I sowed asters in a heated propagator, and they flourished once they were transplanted in the garden. Start sowing asters under cover, and they will be ready to plant outdoors between March and May. Find more detailed guidance on growing asters in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Aster guide.

Sowing Tips: Sow aster seeds in trays or pots indoors, keeping them warm. Move the seedlings to a sunny part of the garden when they are strong enough.

Pro Tip: If your asters get leggy, try rotating the tray regularly to guarantee even light exposure.

Lupin

Lupins are a cottage garden favourite known for their tall flower spikes. They prefer soil that drains well and is slightly acidic and need regular watering when growth kicks in. Last spring, I found that hardening off lupins gradually really improved their resilience once outdoors. Sow lupin seeds in warmth by February and plant out the seedlings in spring. For detailed instructions, see the RHS Lupin page.

Sowing Tips: Start lupins in pots indoors and slowly get them used to outdoor conditions before planting them outside.

Pro Tip: To encourage bushier growth, pinch out the tops of the seedlings. Do this once they have at least three sets of true leaves.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are edible and make excellent companion plants in the garden, providing colour and natural pest control. Last year, I planted them near my tomatoes, and they were fantastic for keeping aphids away. Keep the seedlings protected until March, then plant out when ready. They thrive best in pots with plenty of sunlight. Learn more at the RHS Nasturtium guide. For companion planting tips and pest control techniques, nasturtiums are a great choice.

Sowing Tips: Start nasturtiums indoors in a propagator or on a windowsill, and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms.

Did You Know? Nasturtiums can also help deter whiteflies—making them great companions for most vegetables.

Check out our previous blog post for a step-by-step video guide on how to sow Aster, Lupin, and Nasturtium seeds.

Vegetables to Sow in February in the UK for Early Harvest

Onions

It’s an ideal time to sow both bulb and salad onions. I have sown varieties like Ishikura for salad onions. Onions are one of the best early spring vegetables to start indoors, making them perfect for February sowing. They can yield great results later in the year. Find more advice on growing onions in the RHS Onion Growing Guide.

Sowing Tips: Sow onion seeds in seed trays indoors, keeping the soil moist. Transplant seedlings outdoors when conditions allow in early spring.

Pro Tip: If you notice your onion seedlings getting weak, provide a bit more sunlight. You might also consider adding some organic feed.

Parsnip

Certain varieties of parsnip, like F1 Gladiator, are ideal for February sowing in the UK. Parsnips are a staple for early spring vegetable gardens. I sowed directly outdoors last year. It was a bit tricky in the cold, but the results were worth it. Later in March, I will switch to Organic Tender & Trust. Learn more from Thompson & Morgan’s Parsnip Growing Guide.

Sowing Tips: Sow parsnip seeds directly into well-prepared soil outdoors, as they don’t transplant well. Space seeds to allow room for root development.

Quick Tip: Pre-soaking parsnip seeds overnight can improve germination rates.

Carrot

Carrots are another great option for winter sowing in February, weather permitting. Carrots like Organic Manchester Table Carrots can give you a head start for spring. I am planning to grow Organic Manchester Table Carrots. Carrots are a bit sensitive to cold, so I often use cloches to give them an extra layer of protection. Refer to the RHS Carrot Growing Guidefor more guidance.

Sowing Tips: Sow directly outdoors under cloches to protect from the cold, ensuring the soil is loose and well-drained.

Pro Tip: Thin out your carrot seedlings early to ensure larger, healthier roots come harvest time.

Tomato

I am growing Rose De Berne tomatoes, which are perfect for sowing in late February in the UK. Timing is crucial to avoid legginess from lack of light. Last year, I experimented with a grow light, which made a big difference in keeping my seedlings healthy. For more guidance, see BBC Gardeners’ World Tomato Growing Tips.

Sowing Tips: Use a propagator or heated bench, keeping the soil warm to help the seeds sprout.

Did You Know? Tomatoes love a stable environment. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as this can affect early growth.

Peppers

Peppers need a long growing season, which makes February the ideal time to start sowing Kapia Pointy Red Sweet Pepper. I’ve found that maintaining a consistent heat makes all the difference. More advice can be found at the RHS Pepper Growing Guide.

Sowing Tips: Sow pepper seeds in a heated propagator to ensure optimal soil temperature. Pot them on once established, and eventually move them to a greenhouse.

Pro Tip: Mist your pepper seedlings regularly to maintain humidity, as they thrive in warm, slightly moist conditions.

Tools and Techniques to Help Seeds Germinate in February

Heated Propagation Bench

Heated benches provide warmth to trays, aiding early germination. Mine is a DIY bench using heating wire, sand, and a thermostat to control the temperature. It’s saved countless seedlings from cold nights. Read about how to build one at Thompson & Morgan’s Propagators section.

More Info: A heated bench is great for early starts in colder months.

Pro Tip: Keep the thermostat between 18-21°C for most seeds to promote successful germination.

Heated Propagator

Heated propagators are ideal for consistent warmth. Mine was a hand-me-down, but they can be found in garden centres or second-hand at low prices. The steady warmth works wonders for germination. Learn more at Thompson & Morgan’s Propagators section.

Propagator

A non-heated propagator keeps seeds warm and moist, but it doesn’t control the temperature as well as heated systems. Still, it’s an affordable option.

Quick Tip: Place your propagator in a sunny spot to help boost internal temperatures naturally.

Windowsill

A simple but effective choice, a sunny windowsill gives warmth and sunlight. I use this method for some smaller trays—it’s convenient and works well. The main downside is taking up window space with trays.

Pro Tip: Turn trays daily to prevent seedlings from leaning towards the light.

Greenhouse

Greenhouses protect from frost and trap heat, but the temperature can go up and down more than in heated systems. Mine is a 6 x 8-foot metal-framed structure with toughened glass, chosen for durability.

Sowing Tip: Use a small heater on cold nights to maintain consistent temperatures, which will help keep seedlings strong.

Did You Know? Adding water barrels in your greenhouse is a great frost protection strategy. They help stabilize the temperature by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.

Cold Frame

Cold frames work like small greenhouses, but they are usually used for young plants, not seeds. Mine was built from pallets at minimal cost and is perfect for hardening off seedlings.

Summary and Tips for Success

• Flowers to sow in February: Aster, Lupin, Nasturtium – all require protection and warmth to start early.
• Vegetables and salads: Onions, Parsnip, Carrot, Tomato, Peppers – start with warmth for best germination.
• Tools for germination: Heated bench, propagators, windowsill, greenhouse, or cold frame.

What are you sowing this February? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions: February Gardening

Can I start sowing seeds outdoors in February in the UK? It depends on the variety, but generally, it’s better to start seeds under cover to protect from frost.

How can I protect seedlings from frost in February? Use a greenhouse, cold frame, or heated propagator until the frost risk has passed.

What are the best vegetables to sow in February in the UK? Onions, parsnips, carrots, tomatoes, and peppers are all suitable for February sowing, with added heat where necessary.