Indoor Vegetable Seeds: February

What seeds for a vegetable garden should I plant indoors in February?

To give you the best advice, I need to know the location of your garden. Could you please tell me the city, state, and country where your garden is located?

Scarsdale, NY

Starting seeds indoors in February for a garden in Scarsdale, NY, is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, especially considering the region's climate. Here are some vegetables you can start indoors in February:

1. Tomatoes - Require about 6-8 weeks before they can be transplanted outside after the last frost date.
2. Peppers - Similar to tomatoes, they need 6-8 weeks indoors before moving outside.
3. Eggplants - Start these 6-8 weeks before the last frost date as they need a long, warm growing season.
4. Broccoli - Start 5-7 weeks before transplanting outdoors in early spring.
5. Cabbage - Like broccoli, start these 5-7 weeks before moving them outside.
6. Lettuce - Can be started indoors and transplanted outside in early spring or grown indoors entirely under lights.
7. Onions - Start onions from seeds indoors in February; they can take up to 10 weeks before they are ready to transplant.
8. Kale - Start 5-7 weeks before transplanting outside; it can tolerate cold weather.
9. Leeks - These require a long growing season and should be started indoors in late winter.

When starting seeds indoors, ensure you have a suitable setup with enough light (natural or artificial) and warmth to encourage germination and growth. Use a high-quality seed starting mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Label your plants clearly and keep track of their growth to ensure they are healthy and strong before transplanting outdoors.

Considering the climate in Scarsdale, NY, it's essential to harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outside. This process involves gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions by taking them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outdoors over a week or so. This step is crucial to reduce transplant shock and improve their chances of thriving in your garden.