As spring approaches, February acts as a pivotal month for jumpstarting your gardening projects. The start of the planting season is upon us, with special emphasis on sowing seeds. To get the best results, you may want to follow the lunar calendar, a time-tested method used by gardeners worldwide.
The lunar calendar guides us to sow seeds during the waxing and ideally ascending moon. These lunar phases play a critical role in plant growth. A waxing moon directs plant juices to the aerial part, offering protection to the roots. Simultaneously, an ascending moon influences plant sap to rise, perfect for above-ground gardening activities. Thus, these phases are perfect for sowing edible plants, aromatic plants, and annual flowers.
Remember, each plant comes with unique needs – including light and temperature conditions. For example, February is preferred for sowing slow-growing crops such as eggplant, celery, certain tomatoes, and strawberries. This month is also perfect for starting flower and ornamental plant seeds.
February 2024 Sowing Calendar
Here is a list of plants and their suitable sowing dates for your garden and home in February 2024:
Garden:
- Cucumbers – 6-8, 12-17
- Eggplant and peppers – 7-8
- Celery root – 8-9, 17-19
- Broccoli – 11
- Cauliflower and lettuce – 11-13
- Spinach – 14
- Dwarf peas – 14 – 16
- Radishes – 9-10
- Rocket – 14
- Strawberries – 4-5
- Garlic – 1, 12, 21, 25, 27, 28
- Onion – 10, 14-17
- Parsley – 14
Home Garden:
- Impatiens – 10
- Dandelions – 14
- Love-in-a-mist – 11-12
For tomato enthusiasts, you can sow your seeds on the following dates: 7-8, 12-14, 16-17. Late-variety tomatoes, requiring a long growing season of 3+ months, are usually sown in February. These can be transferred to the garden approximately 80 days after the first shoots appear.
In conclusion, February is not just about preparing for spring; it's also about initiating growth and nurturing life. Making the right gardening decisions in February set the stage for a beautiful and productive season.