What to plant in February in Idaho
In Idaho (ID), February sits about 12 weeks before the average last frost (May 10). The state averages 138 frost-free days a year (last frost May 10, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Idaho frost dates (last frost May 10, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in Idaho.
Idaho covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Idaho: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in February (5)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
Planting dates for popular crops in Idaho
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Idaho: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in Idaho
- Order seed while stock is good. Idaho's average last frost is May 10, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 15 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - February is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Idaho
Idaho spans USDA zones 3b, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Idaho in February?
5 crops have a window in February: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Idaho in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Idaho the next tomato window opens around March 15: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Idaho in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Idaho the next lettuce window opens around April 5: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Idaho?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 10. Idaho covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Idaho?
Celeriac (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Celery (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Leek (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Onion (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Rosemary (Feb 22 – Mar 8).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Idaho’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.