What You Can Start Indoors in February (UK)

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03 Feb, 2026 31

What You Can Start Indoors in February (UK)

If your fingers are itching to sow, February is the perfect month to get a head start under cover. With a windowsill, unheated greenhouse, or a heated propagator, you can raise strong seedlings ready to harden off as spring arrives. Below you’ll find what to sow now, heat needs, and practical tips to avoid leggy disasters.

Heat‑loving crops (need 18–24 °C to germinate)

Chillies & hot peppers — slow to mature; sow early for summer crops.
Sweet peppers — similar to chillies; pot on promptly.
Aubergines — steady warmth and bright light are essential.
Tomatoes — start late Feb if you have good light/heat; earlier for heated propagators and grow lights.
Celery & celeriac — surface sow; steady moisture.

Tips: Use a heated propagator or airing‑cupboard start, then move to bright light. Keep temperatures even; avoid daily swings.

Cool‑tolerant starts (germinate from ~10–15 °C)

Onions & leeks (from seed) — sow in modules; trim tops to keep sturdy.
Broad beans (for transplanting) — 1 seed per module; cool, bright conditions.
Lettuce & salad mixes — quick wins for windowsills.
Herbs — parsley (slow), coriander (cool), chives; basil if you have heat and light.
Hardy flowers — sweet peas, delphiniums, snapdragons; start cool and bright.

Light, compost & watering

Light: South‑facing window or LED grow lights (12–14 hrs).
Compost: Fine, low‑nutrient seed compost; pre‑moisten before sowing.
Watering: Bottom‑water; keep compost just damp. Avoid over‑watering in low light.

Potting on & growth control

Prick out at first true leaves.
Air movement: Gentle airflow prevents damping‑off.
Temperature step‑down: Move heat‑lovers to 16–18 °C after germination to avoid legginess.

Timing & hardening off (South‑West vs. colder regions)

South‑West (e.g., Devon/Cornwall): You can start a week earlier and harden off from late March–April, weather allowing.
Colder regions: Delay tomatoes/basil a week or two; protect from late frosts.

Common mistakes to avoid

Too early, too dark: Creates weak, leggy plants.
Over‑watering: Invites damping‑off.
No label discipline: Use pencil or UV‑safe ink.

FAQs

Can I sow tomatoes on a bright windowsill without heat? Yes, from late Feb, but growth will be slower and sturdier light helps.
Do I need a heated propagator? Not essential, but it speeds germination for peppers/aubergines.
Which herbs are easiest now? Parsley, chives, coriander; basil if you can keep it warm and bright.
When do I feed? Start light liquid feeds after pricking out and active growth resumes.