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Vegetable Gardening Hints, February 2026
February 01, 2026
Hello,

February Garden Checklist


February is a funny gardening month.

There’s snow on the ground (for many of us), seed catalogs on the table, and that familiar urge to do something — even though the garden isn’t ready yet.

The truth is, February is one of the most important months for vegetable gardeners, just not in the way social media makes it seem.

This is the month for planning, choosing wisely, and setting yourself up for a calmer spring.

Here’s what actually matters right now.

Simple Things You Can Do in February

You don’t need a grow room or fancy setup. A few small steps now go a long way:

• Look back at last year’s garden — what grew well and what didn’t

• Choose 3–5 vegetables you really want to focus on this year

• Order seeds early so you’re not scrambling later

• Clean and organize basic tools (if you can get to them)

• Sketch out a rough garden plan (perfection not required)

• Think ahead about compost or soil improvements

Even doing one or two of these puts you ahead.

What You Can Plant in February (Cooler Climates)

For most Canadian and northern gardeners, February is still mostly an indoor planning month — and that’s okay.

Late February (start seeds indoors):

   •   Onions

   •   Leeks

   •   Celery

   •   Parsley and chives

If you’re in a milder area:

   •   Peas

   •   Spinach

   •   Lettuce

Common February Gardening Mistakes

These are easy to fall into — especially when spring feels far away:

• Starting seeds too early and ending up with leggy plants

• Buying too many seed packets “just in case”

• Skipping planning and hoping it works out later

• Feeling behind when you’re actually right on time

February isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things.

Helpful February Resources

If you’d like a little extra guidance, these may help:

Easiest vegetables to grow for beginners
How to plant a garden with other being overwhelmed

You’ll find all of these on the website when you’re ready.

Before You Go

Spring is coming — even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. What you do in February quietly shapes the whole season.

If you’d like, hit reply and tell me what you’re growing this year. I love hearing from fellow gardeners.

For videos Subscribe to my NEW youtube channel:

Your Veggie Helper Youtube

New to gardening? Design Plans to get started:

Vegetable Garden Plans for your Rasised Beds
Vegetable Garden Plans for Square foot Gardens
Vegetable Garden Plans for Row Gardening

Share with a gardening friend

Get everyone growing a few of their own veggies. Forward this FREE newsletter to a friend.

Happy gardening!

Catherine
your-vegetable-gardening-helper

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