Printer Friendly Version - How To Kick Start Your Spring Gardens

It’s February, the month that has all kinds of weather, from cold and snowy to warm and sunny. If you are anything like me, you might be getting antsy to start gardening, especially on those warmer days in February. This is the perfect time to kick-start your spring gardens. You’re probably saying to yourself, “It’s way too early to get my hands dirty,“ but there are a variety of flowers and some veggies that you can start that will thrive in the cooler month of February. By starting your seeds now, you will give them a head start, which will result in early blooms as soon as the warmer weather takes hold.

This is different from winter sowing, even if you are using the same kind of seeds indoors. Start by selecting the correct seeds that can handle cool nights and a gradual increase in daylight, the hardy type, and you will increase your chance for success.

Seed germination is the process of seeds sprouting into new plants. Some key factors will ensure that seeds have the best chance to grow and flourish. Different seeds germinate at different temperatures. Here’s a guide for the soil temperatures needed for planting seeds in February:

When it comes to soil preparation, the soil should be loose and well-draining with lots of organic matter, like compost, to provide necessary nutrients. PH should be 6.0 to 7.0. Water is crucial for germination; seeds need to be constantly moist; use a spray bottle to spritz them so you don’t disturb the seeds. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; as soon as the seeds sprout, reduce the frequency of watering, and don’t over-water; this can drown the roots. Keep an eye out for the seedlings to provide them with the proper moisture level.

Here are 10 seeds to sow in February so that they will bloom into a vibrant garden in the spring.

Cosmos thrive best in warmer conditions. Begin indoors, and you’ll have seedlings ready to transplant when the threat of frost passes. Ideal soil temperature for germination: 70-85°F.
Sweet Pea. Soak seeds overnight for better germination, planting at 1 inch deep.
Zinnias are colorful and very easy to grow. Start them in peat pots. Germination is 5-24 days.
Snapdragons prefer cooler growing conditions. Starting now will ensure a long blooming period through spring. Keep soil moist for seedlings; plant in full sun to part shade.
Petunias. Seeds need lots of light to germinate. If you have grow lights, place the seed trays under the lights to help them along. The germination temperature is 75-80°F.
Marigolds can be sown directly into the soil, but starting indoors produces healthier plants. Germination period: 5-7 days at 70-75°F.
Salvias have long-lasting blooms and come in striking colors; plant in a fine seed-starting mix. Depth of sowing: 1/8 inch.
Coleus come in many different colors and can brighten areas that are shaded; seeds need light to germinate, so press them lightly on top of the soil and keep the soil moist.
Tomatoes can be started alongside flowers for earlier planting, provide plenty of light, soil temperature 75-90.
Peppers need a warm start, so keep indoors until the night temps stay above 55, germination 7-14 days.

The North Haven Garden Club on Facebook offers useful and entertaining information and pictures of all our club activities. For membership information, please email Italia at italia_a@comcast.net. North Haven Garden Club is a member of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Inc., New England Garden Clubs Inc., and The National Garden Clubs Inc.