Vegetables to grow in February

February might still feel like the depths of winter, but for UK gardeners it’s an exciting month. The days are slowly getting longer, the soil is beginning to wake up, and there’s plenty you can be doing to get a head start on the growing season. While frosts are still likely, many vegetables can be sown now with a bit of protection.

Whether you’re growing on an allotment, in a garden, or on a windowsill, here are the best vegetables to grow in February in the UK.

Broad Beans

February is a great time to sow broad beans, especially hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’.

• How to grow: Sow seeds directly outdoors if the ground isn’t frozen, or start them in pots under cover.
  
• Why now? Early sowing leads to stronger plants and an earlier harvest in late spring.
  

Onions (from sets)

If you didn’t plant onion sets in autumn, February is your next opportunity. As the nights grow longer, time in the garden also gets longer. Onion sets are now available from many suppliers including

• How to grow: Plant sets outdoors in well-drained soil with the tips just showing.
  
• Top tip: Avoid waterlogged ground, as onions hate sitting in cold, wet soil.
  

Shallots

Like onions, shallots grow well from sets planted in late winter.

• How to grow: Plant outdoors in a sunny spot once the soil is workable.
  
• Harvest: Expect a crop in early summer.
  

Peas

Hardy pea varieties can be started now.

• How to grow: Sow under cloches, in a cold frame, or start in pots indoors.
  
• Why now? Early peas often avoid pests like pea moths later in the year.
  

Garlic

If you missed autumn planting, you can still plant garlic in February.

• How to grow: Plant individual cloves outdoors, pointed end up.
  
• Best varieties: Look for spring-planting or softneck garlic for better results.
  

Lettuce

Fast-growing lettuce is perfect for early sowing.

• How to grow: Sow indoors, in a heated greenhouse, or on a bright windowsill.
  
• Varieties to try: ‘Little Gem’ or cut-and-come-again mixes.
  

Spinach

Spinach is hardy and well suited to cool temperatures.

• How to grow: Sow under cover or in a cold frame.
  
• Bonus: Early sowings provide tender leaves in early spring.
  

Radishes

One of the quickest vegetables to grow.

• How to grow: Sow under cover for an early crop.
  
• Harvest: Ready in as little as four weeks.
  

Tomatoes (indoors only)

February is early, but keen gardeners can start tomatoes now.

• How to grow: Sow indoors with plenty of light and warmth.
  
• Note: Only start now if you can provide good light; leggy seedlings can be a problem.
  

Chilli Peppers (indoors)

Chillies need a long growing season, making February ideal.

• How to grow: Sow indoors in a warm propagator.
  
• Top tip: Be patient—chilli seeds can be slow to germinate.