What to plant in February in Vermont

In Vermont (VT), February sits about 13 weeks before the average last frost (May 14). The state averages 134 frost-free days a year (last frost May 14, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).

5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.

Dates here come from Vermont frost dates (last frost May 14, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in Vermont.

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

Vermont: planting activity through the year

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Frost riskFrost-free: May 14 – Sep 25

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 (89).

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 19 – Mar 5	Opens Feb 19
Celery	Start seeds indoors	Feb 26 – Mar 12	Opens Feb 26
Leek	Start seeds indoors	Feb 26 – Mar 12	Opens Feb 26
Onion	Start seeds indoors	Feb 26 – Mar 12	Opens Feb 26
Rosemary	Start seeds indoors	Feb 26 – Mar 12	Opens Feb 26

Planting dates for popular crops in Vermont

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

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

A planning month: February garden jobs in Vermont

Order seed while stock is good. Vermont's average last frost is May 14, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 19 - 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 Vermont

Vermont spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. 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
Zone 5	Apr 30	Oct 5	160 days

Questions gardeners ask

What vegetables can I plant in Vermont 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 Vermont in February?

Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Vermont the next tomato window opens around March 19: start seeds indoors.

Is it too late to plant lettuce in Vermont in February?

Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Vermont the next lettuce window opens around April 9: start seeds indoors.

When is the first frost in Vermont?

The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 14. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.

What should I start indoors in February in Vermont?

Celeriac (Feb 19 – Mar 5), Celery (Feb 26 – Mar 12), Leek (Feb 26 – Mar 12), Onion (Feb 26 – Mar 12), Rosemary (Feb 26 – Mar 12).

March in Vermont →Full-year Vermont planting calendar →Vermont frost dates →

What to plant in February in other states

Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire New York Rhode Island Alabama Alaska All states →

Dates are computed from Vermont’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.