What to plant in February in North Dakota

In North Dakota (ND), February sits about 13 weeks before the average last frost (May 15). The state averages 128 frost-free days a year (last frost May 15, first frost September 20; USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b).

5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.

Dates here come from North Dakota frost dates (last frost May 15, first frost Sep 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in North Dakota.

A planning monthSow or plant: 5Start indoors: 5Harvesting: 0

North Dakota: planting activity through the year

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Frost riskFrost-free: May 15 – Sep 20

Bars count the vegetables, herbs and fruit with a sowing or planting window in each month, from the state’s average frost dates. 5 have one in February; the busiest month is May (90).

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.

Crop	What to do	Window	This month
Celeriac	Start seeds indoors	Feb 20 – Mar 6	Opens Feb 20
Celery	Start seeds indoors	Feb 27 – Mar 13	Opens Feb 27
Leek	Start seeds indoors	Feb 27 – Mar 13	Opens Feb 27
Onion	Start seeds indoors	Feb 27 – Mar 13	Opens Feb 27
Rosemary	Start seeds indoors	Feb 27 – Mar 13	Opens Feb 27

Planting dates for popular crops in North Dakota

Every crop has its own full-year dates for North Dakota: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.

When to plant onion in North Dakota →When to plant tomato in North Dakota →When to plant lettuce in North Dakota →When to plant garlic in North Dakota →When to plant bell pepper in North Dakota →When to plant carrot in North Dakota →When to plant pea in North Dakota →When to plant spinach in North Dakota →North Dakota frost dates by zone →

A planning month: February garden jobs in North Dakota

Order seed while stock is good. North Dakota'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 North Dakota

North Dakota spans USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.

Zone	Last frost	First frost	Season
Zone 3	May 15	Sep 15	120 days
Zone 4	May 10	Sep 25	135 days

Questions gardeners ask

What vegetables can I plant in North Dakota 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 North Dakota in February?

Not too late - it's actually a little early. In North Dakota the next tomato window opens around March 20: start seeds indoors.

Is it too late to plant lettuce in North Dakota in February?

Not too late - it's actually a little early. In North Dakota the next lettuce window opens around April 10: start seeds indoors.

When is the first frost in North Dakota?

The statewide average first fall frost is around September 20 and the last spring frost around May 15. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.

What should I start indoors in February in North Dakota?

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).

March in North Dakota →Full-year North Dakota planting calendar →North Dakota frost dates →

What to plant in February in other states

Kansas Nebraska Oklahoma South Dakota Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas All states →

Dates are computed from North Dakota’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.