Seeds to Start Indoors For Your USDA Frost Zone
Wondering what seeds to start indoors now. February is a great time to get a jump on your garden by starting seeds indoors. By the time spring arrives, your seedlings will be strong and ready to move outdoors. However, what you should start depends on your USDA frost zone. This guide breaks down the best seeds to start in February for each zone.
Understanding USDA Frost Zones
The USDA Hardiness Zones are based on average minimum winter temperatures, ranging from Zone 1 (coldest) to Zone 13 (warmest). Knowing your zone helps determine when to start seeds indoors so that your plants are ready to go outside after the last frost.
Zones 3-4 (Cold Climates – Last Frost: May-June)
🌱 Seeds to start indoors in February:
- Onions & Leeks – Need a long growing season; start early.
- Celery – Slow to germinate and grow.
- Peppers (Hot & Sweet) – Need a long head start due to slow growth.
- Brussels Sprouts – Require an early start for a fall harvest.
📌 Tips: Use a heat mat for peppers and celery, as they prefer warm soil temperatures to germinate.
Seeds to start indoors in Zones 5-6 (Moderate Cold – Last Frost: April-May)
🌱 Seeds to start indoors in February:
- Onions & Leeks – Essential for early-season planting.
- Broccoli & Cauliflower – Can be transplanted outdoors early.
- Cabbage – Prefers cool temperatures and benefits from an early start.
- Peppers – Slow-growing and benefit from a head start.
- Eggplant – Needs a long growing season in cooler climates.
📌 Tips: Provide plenty of light—grow lights help prevent leggy seedlings.
Seeds to start indoors in Zones 7-8 (Mild Winters – Last Frost: March-April)
🌱 Start Indoors in February:
- Tomatoes – Ready to be transplanted by early spring.
- Peppers – Need 6-8 weeks indoors before planting out.
- Eggplant – Thrives with an early start.
- Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Dill) – Can be transplanted early or grown indoors.
- Brassicas (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower) – Can be started early for spring planting.
📌 Tips: Harden off seedlings properly before transplanting outdoors to prevent shock.
Zones 9-10 (Warm Climates – Last Frost: January-March)
🌱 Start Indoors in February:
- Tomatoes – Get a head start for early spring planting.
- Peppers – Can be started early for an extended harvest.
- Melons & Cucumbers – Warm-season crops that thrive with an early start.
- Zinnias & Marigolds – Flowers that establish well when started early.
- Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Thyme) – Can be transplanted early or grown in containers.
📌 Tips: Since frost risk is low, many seedlings can be directly sown outdoors in late February or March.
Zones 11-13 (Tropical & Subtropical – Frost-Free or Occasional Frosts)
🌱 Start Indoors in February:
- Tomatoes & Peppers – Can be started early for succession planting.
- Melons & Squash – Thrive when started early in warm climates.
- Tropical Fruits (Papaya, Passionfruit) – Can be started in containers.
- Flowers (Zinnias, Cosmos) – Extend the growing season with early planting.
📌 Tips: Indoor seed starting may not be necessary, but early starts can ensure stronger plants before hot weather arrives.
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General Seed-Starting Tips for February
✔ Use Grow Lights – Ensure strong, stocky growth.
✔ Maintain Warmth – A heat mat helps germination, especially for peppers and tomatoes.
✔ Use Good Soil – A light, well-draining seed-starting mix prevents disease.
✔ Harden Off Before Planting – Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
By starting seeds indoors in February, you can ensure a productive and thriving garden when planting time arrives. What seeds are you starting this month? Let us know in the comments!
