Seed Starting How-To for Zone 5
A simple DIY guide to starting strong seedlings indoors in February
February is the month when gardeners begin preparing — thoughtfully and intentionally — for the growing season ahead. While winter is still with us, this is the perfect time to start seeds indoors and build a strong foundation for spring.
Starting seeds early allows plants to develop healthy root systems and gives you access to more varieties than you’ll find later in the season. It also spreads the work out, making spring planting more manageable and enjoyable.
Seeds to Start in February (Zone 5)
Vegetables:
- Peppers
- Onions from seed
- Leeks
- Celery
Herbs
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Flowers:
- Snapdragons
- Petunias
- Other slow-growing annuals
These plants benefit from a longer growing period and perform best when started indoors now.
DIY Seed-Starting Basics
- Use a quality seed-starting mix
- Keep soil evenly moist, not saturated
- Provide consistent warmth for germination
- Move seedlings under bright light as soon as they emerge
- Label everything
If you’re new to seed starting, don’t feel like you need to do everything at once. Start with just a few varieties and use this time to learn what works best in your space — your light, your temperature, your schedule. Confidence comes quickly when you keep it simple.
I walk through my own approach in a short seed-starting how-to video, sharing the same steps I use year after year to grow strong, healthy seedlings. If you like learning by watching, it’s a great place to start: Seed Starting Made Simple: My 7-Step System for Strong Seedlings
And if you’d rather talk it through in person, stop in and see us. Whether you need help choosing what to start now or setting up a simple seed-starting station at home, we’re always happy to help you problem-solve and grow with confidence.
Seed starting is one of the most hopeful parts of the growing season. It’s a reminder that even when it’s still winter outside, growth is already beginning.
The Landscape Connection
4472 S. Mulford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61109
www.TheLandscapeConnection.net
