🌨️ What to Plant
in February
February is a transitional month — days are getting longer and the garden slowly wakes up. Begin starting heat-loving crops like peppers on a sunny windowsill. Complete winter pruning of fruit trees before buds begin to swell. Most outdoor sowing is still too early.
🌱 Start indoors / Pre-grow seedlings
February is the right time to start heat-loving crops that need a long growing season. Use a warm, sunny windowsill — ideally south-facing.
Sow in a pot — needs warmth
Peppers need a long season. Sow in small pots at 20–25°C. Keep moist but not waterlogged. Move to a larger pot once the first true leaves appear.
Pre-grow in a tray
Can be started in a window tray for early transplanting. Grow at 15–18°C. Will be ready to plant outdoors in March.
Sow in warmth on a windowsill
Sow basil in a warm spot — minimum 20°C. Thin to one seedling per pot once established. Will be ready to move outside after May 15.
Pre-grow in warmth at 25°C
Ideally 25°C for germination. Chillies need every day of the season. If you missed January, start now without delay.
Sow on a damp substrate
Sow on the surface of moist compost — do not cover, seeds need light to germinate. Keep at 20°C. Prick out once large enough to handle.
✂️ Pruning & trimming
Complete all remaining winter pruning before buds swell in late February or early March. This is the last opportunity for most fruit trees.
Cut out old canes that fruited last year. Leave strong new canes at 60 cm spacing. Consider ordering new plants for gaps.
Cut old branches (over 4 years old) to ground level. This rejuvenates the bush and improves yield.
Complete pruning before bud burst. Spray against scab after pruning. Remove water shoots and crossing branches.
Winter pruning — leave 2 eyes on each spur. Complete before the sap rises or the vine will bleed excessively.
Winter pruning — remove dead and diseased branches. Only prune in dry weather to reduce silver leaf risk.
Prune to the pink bud stage — the critical timing for peach. Do not leave this later. Remove old fruiting wood and keep young replacement shoots.
📋 Plan & Order
February is the last chance to order seeds and plants before the spring rush. Popular varieties sell out fast.
Order seeds now — don't leave it to March when shortages begin.
Order certified planting stock now for March planting. Blueberries need acid soil!
Order seed potatoes and start chitting (pre-sprouting) on a light windowsill from mid-February.
Order new dahlia varieties and bare-root roses now for March planting.
Cut back overwintered geraniums and repot into fresh compost. They will quickly produce new growth.
💡 February gardening tips
- ✓Start peppers and basil on a sunny windowsill
- ✓Test old seeds for germination — soak in a damp cloth
- ✓Prepare pots and compost for seedlings
- ✓Complete winter pruning on frost-free days
⚠️ Common February mistakes
- ✗Sowing directly outside — still far too early for most crops
- ✗Over-fertilising young seedlings in poor winter light
- ✗Not providing enough light for indoor seedlings — they stretch and become weak
Frequently asked questions
What seeds can I start in February in Czech Republic? ▼
In February you can start indoors: peppers, chilli peppers, kohlrabi, basil and petunias. These all need a long season and benefit from an early start. Do not start tomatoes or cucumbers yet — February is too early and seedlings will outgrow their pots before outdoor planting is safe.
When should I prune grapevines in Czech Republic? ▼
Prune grapevines in February during dormancy, before the sap begins to flow. Leave 2 eyes on each spur (čípek). Do this before the buds begin to swell. Winter pruning of grapevines reduces the risk of fungal disease and controls the shape of the vine.
Is February too early to sow tomatoes? ▼
Yes — February is generally too early to start tomatoes in Czech Republic. Tomatoes sown in February will be large, pot-bound seedlings by the time it is safe to plant them out (after May 15). Sow tomatoes in March for the ideal timing.
What fruit tree pruning should I do in February? ▼
February is the final opportunity to complete winter pruning of apple, pear, raspberry, currant, gooseberry and elderberry. Prune grapevines leaving 2 eyes per spur. Cherries and plums can be lightly pruned in February. Finish all pruning before buds begin to swell in late February or early March.
Stay on top of February tasks
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