February often feels like a wake-up call to us gardeners who have been patiently waiting to get back out in the yard and start working. One of the most important jobs this month is getting a head start on many types of seeds, to ensure they develop strong roots before spring. But, not all seeds should be started this month. In fact, gardening experts actually say that starting seeds too early is the biggest seed starting mistake you can make in February.
Even if temperatures are freezing and don't allow for outdoor sowing, there are plenty of seeds to sow indoors this month, most notably those that are slow starters and have a longer maturity time. But, don't be too hasty to get all your seeds in soil as the experts say it's a seed sowing mistake to not wait until the temperature warms up for many fast-growing flowers and vegetables.
'Some plant varieties germinate quickly and grow even more quickly after they start to sprout. For these varieties, sowing early is detrimental to the plant's health and can make them weaker,' says Anna Ohler, owner of Bright Lane Gardens nursery. Here, alongside other experts, Anna explains more about why you should avoid starting seeds too early in February.
What's the Risk of Starting Seeds Too Early?
You may have heard that starting seeds early will give you an advantage in terms of earlier blooms or an earlier crop, and this is true for many plants – just take a look at our guide to flowers to sow in February and vegetables to plant in February.
But, there are likewise several seeds you should never start in February that could actually end up being weaker if planted now.
'Even with indoor grow lights, many plants need the strength of the sun to properly reach maturity and their fruiting stage,' Anna says. 'If they reach this stage before you can transplant them outdoors, they're unlikely to produce the crop you are hoping for,' she explains.
This is especially the case with fast-growing flowers and crops that can't be planted outdoors until after the risk of frost has passed. With many having a germination rate within 7-10 days, you actually only have to worry about sowing them in several weeks time from now.
This isn't the only reason starting seeds too early is the biggest seed starting mistake you can make in February. Anna warns your seedlings may struggle while waiting to be transplanted.
'Seedlings that grow quickly will often become root bound or outgrow their container before you're ready to transplant,' she says.
With limited daylight still lingering in February, you may also find your seedlings become leggy while growing indoors. Though, a grow light (like this from Amazon) can help prevent this.
Of course, one of the factors to keep in mind when deciding if February is too early to plant your seeds is your US hardiness zone and frost dates.
'For example, many people will start tomato seeds in February, but for me in zone 6, they would grow huge by the time I plant them out and I wouldn't be able to plant them properly, leaving the stems of the tomatoes weaker,' says Anna Hackman, a Rutgers Master Gardener and owner at The Naked Botanical.
'My frost date is mid-May, while others can start seeds in February and it will be fine, depending on their frost dates,' she adds.
How to Avoid Starting Seeds Too Early
'Timing is important. Know the number of days to germination and the number of days from germination to maturity before you plant your seeds,' advises Anna Ohler.
It's as simple as understanding when your last frost date is, how long seeds take to germinate, and when they should be planted out to figure out when exactly to sow your seeds.
'We like to use a garden calculator,' says Staci Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm.
'A popular one that's out there is called Clyde's Garden Planner. You use this calculator based on where you are, what your climate is, what the seed is, and it will tell you when the best time to plant outside is, and from that, you can easily work backwards to when to start your seeds indoors,' she suggests.
One general rule of thumb is to avoid starting any seeds in February that don't transplant well. This includes those with long taproots and those with shallow, fragile root systems.
'Never plant squash, pumpkin, melon or watermelon seeds indoors. They don't like their roots disturbed,' Anna Hackman advises.
As you become more familiar with your seeds and their planting needs, you may also find it useful to map out a seed sowing schedule. This will make seed starting a lot easier next year.
Seed Starting Essentials
These plantable pots are ideal for seeds that don't like being transplanted but also need to be started indoors. You get 20 in this pack.
This seedling water bottle offers gentle watering to seedlings and delicate plants. It has a detachable spout.
This seed starting mix is a special nutrient-rich blend to help start seeds and support early growth.
This dibber helps make precise holes for seed planting. It has a depth marker to aid direct planting, and is made of stainless steel for long-lasting use.
This seed starting tray has 36 cells and is designed to easily pop out seedlings. It has durable quality to be reused every year.
This grow light provides full spectrum exposure to seedlings and houseplants alike. It has an automatic timer for 4, 8, and 12 hours
FAQs
Can I Direct Sow All Seeds?
No, it's not wise to rely on direct sowing for all seeds. Many of slow-starting plants, including tomatoes and peppers, will not successfully grow to a maturity in time when directly sown outdoors, reducing your harvest. Nevertheless, there are plenty of fast-growing annuals that are reliable when directly sown outdoors, including zinnias and cosmos, as well as root vegetables and leafy crops that don't like being disturbed and transplanted.
If you do have lots of seeds you can start in February, then our guide to having success with early sowings will help you get the most out of them.
