What to plant in February in West Virginia
In West Virginia (WV), February sits about 11 weeks before the average last frost (May 5). The state averages 153 frost-free days a year (last frost May 5, first frost October 5; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
8 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from West Virginia frost dates (last frost May 5, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, eggplant or tomato in West Virginia.
West Virginia: 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 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Celery | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Leek | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Onion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Rosemary | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Parsley | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Shallot | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
Planting dates for popular crops in West Virginia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for West Virginia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in West Virginia
- Order seed while stock is good. West Virginia's average last frost is May 5, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 10 - 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 West Virginia
West Virginia spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In West Virginia the next tomato window opens around March 10: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in West Virginia in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In West Virginia the next lettuce window opens around March 31: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in West Virginia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 5. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in West Virginia?
Celeriac (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Celery (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Leek (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Onion (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Rosemary (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Eggplant (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Parsley (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Shallot (Feb 24 – Mar 10).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from West Virginia’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.