What to Grow in February: Gardening Jobs, Sowing & Spring Prep

February may still feel like the depths of winter, but for gardeners it marks the beginning of a new growing season. As daylight hours slowly increase and soil temperatures begin to rise, this is the perfect time to start sowing seeds indoors, prepare outdoor beds, and give young plants a head start. With a little planning and the help of natural solutions like Hortiwool Garden Pads gardening in February sets the foundation for a productive and resilient spring garden.

Vegetables to Sow in February

Indoors or under cover

February is ideal for sowing many vegetables indoors, on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse, or in a propagator:

• Tomatoes – Sow seeds into pots or trays and keep warm. Use Hortiwool Garden Pads beneath seed trays to provide gentle insulation and protect roots from cold surfaces.

• Chillies and peppers – These need warmth and time, so early sowing is essential.

• Aubergines – Best started early indoors to allow a long growing season.

• Leeks – Sow in trays for transplanting outdoors in spring.

• Lettuce – Hardy varieties can be started indoors for early salads.

• Onions (from seed) – A great alternative to sets, giving a wider variety choice.

Using wool in the garden at this stage helps regulate moisture around seedlings. Wool fibres absorb excess water and release it slowly, reducing the risk of damping-off while keeping compost evenly moist.

Outdoors (weather permitting)

In milder areas or well-prepared soil, you can also sow:

• Broad beans – Hardy and reliable, ideal for early planting.

• Spinach – Choose cold-tolerant varieties.

• Garlic – If not planted earlier, February is your last chance.

• Peas – Sow under cloches or fleece for protection.

Lining seed trenches with Hortiwool Garden Pads can help insulate soil, improve moisture retention, and protect emerging roots from cold snaps.

Fruit to Plant or Prepare

February is a key month for fruit gardeners:

• Bare-root fruit trees (apples, pears, plums) – Plant while still dormant.

• Bare-root soft fruit – Raspberries, gooseberries, currants and blackberries.

• Strawberries – Plant bare-root crowns or pot-grown plants.

When planting, placing Hortiwool Garden Pads around the root zone helps retain warmth and moisture, reducing transplant shock and protecting young plants from fluctuating temperatures.

Flowers to Sow in February

February sowing means earlier blooms and stronger plants later on:

Indoors or under cover

• Sweet peas

• Cosmos

• Antirrhinums

• Salvia

• Petunias

• Verbena

Outdoors

• Hardy annuals such as calendula and cornflowers (in mild conditions)

• Perennials including lupins and delphiniums can be started indoors now.

Hortiwool Garden Pads are ideal under pots and trays, providing insulation and preventing cold damage when temperatures dip overnight.

Transplanting in February

• Move overwintered seedlings into larger pots.

• Transplant autumn-sown broad beans and peas into prepared beds.

• Repot young plants once roots begin to fill their containers.

Using wool in the garden during transplanting helps cushion roots, improve drainage, and maintain steady moisture levels. Particularly useful when conditions are still unpredictable.

Other Gardening Jobs to Do in February

Gardening in February isn’t just about sowing, it’s also about preparation.

Prepare Beds and Soil

• Clear weeds and debris.

• Add compost or well-rotted manure.

• Use Hortiwool Garden Pads as a temporary mulch to protect soil structure and prevent nutrient loss during heavy rain.

Prune and Maintain

• Prune apple and pear trees.

• Cut back autumn fruiting raspberries.

• Tidy perennial borders and remove dead growth.

Protect Plants

• Watch out for late frosts.

• Insulate pots, raised beds and young plants with Hortiwool Garden Pads for natural, breathable frost protection.

Plan Ahead

• Check seed stock and order what you need.

• Clean pots, trays and tools.

• Map out crop rotation and planting plans.

Getting Ready for Spring with Hortiwool

February is about momentum. By starting early and using natural, sustainable tools like Hortiwool Garden Pads, you support healthier plants, reduce waste, and work in harmony with nature. Whether you’re sowing seeds on a windowsill, planting fruit trees, or preparing beds for spring, using wool in the garden offers a reusable, compostable way to protect plants and improve growing conditions.

With the right preparation now, your garden will be primed for a thriving spring and a productive year ahead.