What to Start Outside Now: Early February Planting Guide

North Florida | Zones 9a–9b

Early February in North Florida is a sweet spot. The coldest weather is usually behind us, but summer heat is still far off. This is the perfect time to get both cool-season crops and warm-season starters going.

Think of this month as preparing the garden for spring 

Vegetables to Plant Now

Direct Sow Outdoors

These do best planted straight into the garden now:

• Carrots

• Beets

• Radishes

• Turnips

• Peas (snap, snow, English)

• Potatoes (seed potatoes preferred)

  
  

Tip: Keep soil evenly moist for germination—February winds can dry beds fast.

Transplants or Starts

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Kale

• Swiss chard

• Lettuce

• Spinach

  
  

  These thrive in our mild winter-to-spring transition and will bolt once heat arrives—get them growing now.