What to plant in February

If you've ever looked at your market garden in February and wondered what you can plant, we're here to help. This month is the coldest of the year, so there's not much growing outdoors.

However, if you have a greenhouse or a warm spot indoors where plants can be kept warm (or even just sheltered), then there are still some delicious things that can be planted this month.

Kale

Kale is a hardy crop and can be planted out in February, so if you're looking to start your spring garden with something that will last through the winter months, kale is a great choice. Kale can be grown in containers as well as in the ground, so if you have limited space that doesn't allow for it to be planted directly into soil, consider potting it up!

Chives

Chives are the best herb to grow in February, as they're simple to care for and can be used fresh in salads, soups and stews. Chives are perennial plants and they'll last for years if you keep them watered properly. Plant chives indoors or outdoors depending on your climate. Chives also make a beautiful ornamental plant in pots on a balcony or patio.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are known to germinate best in temperatures of around 20 degrees celsius. So if you live in a cooler climate, you may have to wait until March or April to get the soil warm enough for them to germinate and grow outdoors.

If you have a greenhouse, this could be a good time to start growing tomato seedlings so that they're ready for planting out once the weather warms up. If you're planting out directly into the garden in February, here's what you need to know:

Tomatoes can handle cold spells but not frosty conditions - they'll die if left exposed for too long (or buried under snow). Make sure your pots or trays are covered with fleece or horticultural fleece at night if it looks like rain might fall during winter nights when temperatures drop; otherwise put them on an east-facing windowsill where they'll get some light without getting too hot during daytime hours.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that grows best in spring and fall. It can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked, but it's recommended to start indoors in February for an earlier harvest. Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, which means it's closely related to cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale. Broccoli is also full of vitamins C and K along with calcium, iron and fibre!

Cauliflower

Germination takes place at a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius, so make sure you plant under cover or in a hoop-house until the spring. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep weeds down. Harvest later in the year when heads are firm, but before they start to enlarge too much more as this can increase their bitterness.