Zone 9b’s February Garden Goldmine: Crops to Sow Now
What to Plant in Your Garden in February for Growing Zone 9b
If you’re in growing zone 9b like me, February is one of the best times to kick off your gardening season. The weather is starting to warm up just enough, and those mild days are perfect for getting things in the ground. I’ve been researching the best crops to grow right now, so let’s chat about what you can plant this month to set yourself up for a thriving garden.
Leafy Greens
If you love fresh salads, February is your moment. Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard absolutely love the cool weather. Whether you’re sowing seeds directly or transplanting starts, these greens grow fast and don’t need a ton of maintenance. Plus, there’s nothing better than walking out to your garden and grabbing ingredients for dinner.
Root Vegetables
This is the time to plant carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips. These veggies are pretty chill about cooler soil temps, so they’ll grow well right now. Just make sure your soil is loose so the roots can stretch out and grow properly.
Brassicas
Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage thrive in the cooler weather we’re still having in February. If you have seedlings, get them in the ground. If not, it’s not too late to start some indoors. Pro tip: keep an eye on the weather, and if there’s a surprise frost, toss a row cover over them to keep them cozy.
Herbs
Cilantro, dill, and parsley are perfect to plant right now. I love having fresh herbs for cooking, and these grow quickly in the cooler temps. You can plant them in pots or straight into the garden.
Start Warm-Season Crops Indoors
Here’s where we get to dream about summer! February is a great time to start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Starting these now gives you a head start, and by the time the weather heats up, they’ll be ready to go in the garden. If you're interested in hydroponics, check out my other article How to Grow a Thriving Hydroponic Garden All Year.
Peas
If you’ve never grown peas, now’s the time to try. Snow peas and sugar snap peas love this weather and can be planted directly in the soil. They grow fast and will give you a delicious harvest before the summer heat takes over.
Flowers
And let’s not forget the beauty! February is perfect for planting cool-season flowers like pansies, snapdragons, and calendulas. Not only will they brighten up your garden, but they’ll also bring in pollinators to help with your veggies.
A Few Quick Tips for February Gardening
Prep Your Soil: Good soil is the foundation of a great garden. Mix in some compost to give your plants a nutrient boost.
Keep an Eye on Frost: While frosts are rare here, they can still happen. Be ready to cover your plants if the temps dip unexpectedly.
Water Smart: The rain can be hit or miss this time of year, so check your soil regularly and water when it’s dry.
Gardening in zone 9b in February feels like such a gift. There’s so much you can plant right now, and it’s the perfect time to dive into the growing season. I can’t wait to hear what you’re planting—let me know! Happy gardening!
