What to plant in February in Minnesota
In Minnesota (MN), February sits about 11 weeks before the average last frost (May 6). The state averages 145 frost-free days a year (last frost May 6, first frost September 28; USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a).
8 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Minnesota frost dates (last frost May 6, first frost Sep 28). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, eggplant or tomato in Minnesota.
Minnesota: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in February (8)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Celery | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Leek | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Onion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Rosemary | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Parsley | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Shallot | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Minnesota
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Minnesota: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in Minnesota
- Order seed while stock is good. Minnesota's average last frost is May 6, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 11 - 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 Minnesota
Minnesota spans USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. 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 Minnesota in February?
8 crops have a window in February: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary, eggplant, parsley, shallot. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Minnesota in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Minnesota the next tomato window opens around March 11: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Minnesota in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Minnesota the next lettuce window opens around April 1: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Minnesota?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 28 and the last spring frost around May 6. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Minnesota?
Celeriac (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Celery (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Leek (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Onion (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Rosemary (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Eggplant (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Parsley (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Shallot (Feb 25 – Mar 11).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Minnesota’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.