What Crops to Sow This February (And What to Avoid!)

Quick Overview

Gardeners should avoid sowing tomatoes in February unless they have extensive space and artificial heat/light, instead focusing on hardy essentials like onions, celery, celeriac, peppers, and aubergines, while also considering optional early sowings of broad beans, brassicas, peas, and parsley.

Key Points: Do not sow tomatoes in February unless significant artificial heat and light are available because they grow quickly and risk being potted on too many times before the last average frost date in mid-May. Onions, including spring onion varieties like 'North Holland Blood Red' which can become bulb onions, are essential February sowings requiring bottom heat initially, then placement in a poly tunnel or insulated cold frame. Celeriac and celery require a long, gradual introduction to the growing season and necessitate bottom heat for germination, unlike some other February crops. Chili peppers, bell peppers, and aubergines (like 'Long Purple' or 'Black Beauty') can be germinated in shallow trenches in a tray with a heat mat, then pricked out, relying on undercover conditions and grow lights rather than constant bottom heat once sprouted. Optional early crops include broad beans like 'Witk Kam Manita' and the black-flowered 'Black Isle Broad Bean,' sown 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) deep in module trays. Brassicas such as cauliflower and 'Greyhound' cabbage can be started in February using HR20 trays with covers to create a warm environment for germination, yielding early summer crops. Parsley is specifically recommended for February sowing because it is slow to germinate and benefits from warmth, unlike most other herbs which can wait until March or later.

Context: The video provides essential guidance for gardeners on what crops to sow during February, contrasting those that require pampering with hardier options. The speaker emphasizes avoiding premature sowing of tender crops like tomatoes due to space and light requirements relative to an early to mid-May last frost date. The discussion centers on utilizing specific module trays, such as HR10 or 40L trays, and managing temperature requirements like bottom heat for early germination.