What to plant in February in Montana
In Montana (MT), February sits about 13 weeks before the average last frost (May 15). The state averages 123 frost-free days a year (last frost May 15, first frost September 15; USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).
5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Montana frost dates (last frost May 15, first frost Sep 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in Montana.
Montana 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.
Montana: 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 Montana
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Montana: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in Montana
- Order seed while stock is good. Montana's average last frost is May 15, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 20 - 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 Montana
Montana spans USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. 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 Montana 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 Montana in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Montana the next tomato window opens around March 20: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Montana in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Montana the next lettuce window opens around April 10: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Montana?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 15 and the last spring frost around May 15. Montana 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 Montana?
Celeriac (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Celery (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Leek (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Onion (Feb 27 – Mar 13), Rosemary (Feb 27 – Mar 13).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Montana’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.