What to plant in February in USDA zone 5

Sow indoors in February — zone 5

Start these seeds under lights or in a heated propagator so transplants are ready when the outdoor planting window opens.

• Onions, leeks, celery, celeriac
• Peppers and eggplant — Use a heat mat — they germinate at 27 °C.
• Brassicas for spring transplant (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)

Prep and planning — zone 5

• Dormant pruning — Finish before sap rises.

Universal February tasks

These apply across most US and UK gardens in February, regardless of zone.

• Start onions, leeks, and slow-growing perennials under lights.
• Prune fruit trees, grapes, and dormant shrubs while still leafless.
• Test soil where you can dig — collect samples for pH and nutrient reports.
• Top up cold-frame and cloche supplies; cover early beds for soil-warming.
• Stratify seeds that need cold (echinacea, milkweed, native perennials) outdoors or in the fridge.
• Inspect stored bulbs, potatoes, and dahlia tubers for rot.

Why this works for zone 5

Zone 5 has average annual minimum temperatures of -20 to -10°F (-29 to -23°C) and a frost-free window from late April / early May to late September / early October — about 150 growing days. Classic Midwest growing zone. Most US gardening books default to zone 5 timing. Mulch garlic and perennials before deep winter freezes.

Dates are zone-wide averages. Local microclimates (south-facing slopes, urban heat, lakeside warmth, elevation) can shift the window by 1-2 weeks within the same zone.

UK gardeners — February

In the UK, February brings broad beans, onion sets, shallots, and Jerusalem artichokes outdoors in milder regions. Sow tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines under heat indoors. Chit early potatoes in a cool, bright spot.

Source and methodology

Frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online within USDA zone 5. Hardiness boundaries from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023). Crop timing curated against US Cooperative Extension Service publications (UNL, UMN, NC State, Texas A&M, UF/IFAS, Oregon State) and cross-referenced against the RHS sowing calendar. Curated by the Growli editorial team.

Keep going

• ← January in zone 5
• March in zone 5 →
• All zones — what to plant in February
• USDA Zone 5 — frost dates and crop list
• Full 12-month planting calendar

Other zones — February

• What to plant in February in zone 3
• What to plant in February in zone 4
• What to plant in February in zone 6
• What to plant in February in zone 7
• What to plant in February in zone 8
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• What to plant in February in zone 10