What to Plant in February — Zone 5

February ends about 8 weeks before zone 5's average last frost (Apr 22) — prime seed-starting territory.

Start seeds indoors — Counted back from the last frost so transplants are ready on time.

🥬 Cabbage Feb 25 – Mar 11 65–85 days to maturity
🧅 Onions Feb 11 – Feb 25 90–110 days to maturity
🧅 Leeks Feb 11 – Feb 25 100–120 days to maturity
🥬 Celery Feb 11 – Feb 25 100–120 days to maturity
🍅 Tomatoes Feb 25 – Mar 11 60–85 days to maturity
🫑 Peppers Feb 11 – Feb 25 60–90 days to maturity
🍆 Eggplant Feb 11 – Feb 25 65–80 days to maturity
🍏 Tomatillos Feb 25 – Mar 11 70–80 days to maturity
🌿 Parsley Feb 11 – Feb 25 70–90 days to maturity
🌱 Chives Feb 25 – Mar 11 75–85 days to maturity
🌿 Thyme Feb 11 – Feb 25 90–120 days to maturity
🌿 Oregano Feb 25 – Mar 11 80–90 days to maturity

Windows use zone 5's typical frost dates (Apr 22 / Oct 12). For your own city's dates, run the frost lookup — the planting calendar then localizes everything automatically.

Frequently asked questions

What can I plant outside in February in zone 5?

Nothing goes outside yet in zone 5 — February is for starting seeds indoors (cabbage, onions, leeks, celery, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, and 4 more). Outdoor planting opens closer to the Apr 22 average last frost.

What seeds should I start indoors in February in zone 5?

Cabbage, onions, leeks, celery, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, and 4 more — each is counted back from zone 5's average last frost around Apr 22, so transplants are ready exactly when the garden is.

Is February the right time for tomatoes in zone 5?

For seed-starting, yes: sow indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11. Transplanting waits until after the Apr 22 average last frost.

February in other zones

Zone 1Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10Zone 11Zone 12Zone 13

Zone 5, month by month

← January March → All months

Zone 5 frost dates near you

Colorado Springs, COIdaho Falls, IDRockford, ILDes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IASioux City, IAPortland, MEBangor, ME