February marks the transition point for Texas vegetable gardeners, bridging the dormant winter months and the approaching spring growing season. Gardeners begin sowing cold-tolerant crops while preparing tender summer favorites for an early start. Successfully navigating February planting requires understanding the state’s vast geography, as the optimal schedule shifts depending on the specific region. Focusing on direct sowing of hardy vegetables and indoor preparation of warm-weather crops helps maximize yield and extend the growing season.
Regional Climate Considerations for February Planting
Texas spans a vast area, covering climates from USDA Hardiness Zone 6 in the Panhandle to Zone 9 along the Gulf Coast. This range makes a single planting guide impossible. The primary factor dictating February decisions is the average last frost date, which varies dramatically across the state and determines the risk of a freeze destroying young plants.
In South Texas, including Brownsville and Corpus Christi, the risk of frost is rare or has already passed by early February, allowing for the earliest outdoor planting. Central Texas, including Austin and San Antonio, typically faces an average last frost date in late February or early March, requiring a moderate approach to direct sowing. North Texas and the Panhandle have the highest late frost risk, with the average last frost occurring as late as April. In these regions, most February planting must be done indoors or with heavy protection.
Hardy Vegetables for Direct Sowing Outdoors
February is the ideal time to sow cool-season vegetables directly into the ground, especially in Central and South Texas. These plants thrive in cooler soil and tolerate light frost. Root vegetables should be a priority this month, including carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips, as they are sown directly from seed.
Leafy greens, known for their cold tolerance, can also be direct-sown now. Excellent options for an early spring harvest include spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard, and mustard greens. Gardeners should use row covers or frost blankets to protect young seedlings from unexpected overnight temperature drops, particularly in Central Texas.
Planting alliums like onion sets or transplants is another key February task, focusing on short-day varieties adapted to Texas daylight hours. Peas (English, snap, and snow) should be planted early so they mature before the summer heat arrives. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost and ensuring it is well-draining before sowing these hardy crops.
Tender Crops to Start Indoors in February
February is too cold for warm-season vegetables outdoors, but it is the month to start seeds indoors to gain a head start on the Texas growing season. Tomatoes are the most common crop started now, requiring planting 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date. Starting them early ensures they set fruit before the intense summer heat causes production to stall.
Peppers (sweet bell and hot varieties) and eggplant also require an indoor start due to their slow growth rate and need for warm soil. These seeds germinate best when provided with bottom heat, often from a specialized heat mat, to maintain a consistent soil temperature near 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once germinated, tender seedlings require strong, consistent light for 14 to 16 hours daily to prevent them from becoming thin and “leggy.” Supplemental grow lights are necessary to mimic spring sunlight, as a sunny windowsill is usually insufficient. Monitor indoor conditions carefully, ensuring seedlings are kept in a bright location where temperatures do not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which can stunt their growth.