What to plant in February in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire (NH), February sits about 12 weeks before the average last frost (May 13). The state averages 135 frost-free days a year (last frost May 13, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).
5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from New Hampshire frost dates (last frost May 13, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire: 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 New Hampshire
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Hampshire: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in New Hampshire
- Order seed while stock is good. New Hampshire's average last frost is May 13, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 18 - 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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire spans USDA zones 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New Hampshire the next tomato window opens around March 18: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Hampshire in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New Hampshire the next lettuce window opens around April 8: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in New Hampshire?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 13. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in New Hampshire?
Celeriac (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Celery (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Leek (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Onion (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Rosemary (Feb 25 – Mar 11).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from New Hampshire’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.