With spring just around the corner, there’s plenty to look forward to—longer days, warmer temperatures, and, of course, the return of gardening season.
For those eager to get their hands back in the soil, March may feel like it can’t come soon enough. But according to John Collins, nursery manager at Somerset-based Ashridge, now is actually the perfect time to kickstart your growing season with three specific vegetables.
“These hardy crops can withstand cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early sowing,” says Collins. “Getting them in the ground now gives you an earlier harvest and helps spread out the workload in the garden,” he explains.
1. Broad Beans
Broad beans are one of the best vegetables to plant in February, as their robust nature allows them to thrive in cooler temperatures. Sowing these national favourites now can lead to an earlier harvest, often by late spring or early summer.
Soaking the seeds overnight is a good way to encourage germination, and planting them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil will help them develop.
Collins recommends planting them about 20cm apart and leaving 60cm between each double row, allowing air circulation and easy access to the crops.
“As the plants grow, staking or installing nets can provide them with extra support and prevent them from toppling over. Another great tip is pinching out their tips when they reach about one metre in height, as this will encourage bushier growth and deter pests like aphids,” observes Collins.
2. Early Peas
Early peas are another excellent choice for February, with varieties such as 'Kelvedon Wonder' or 'Meteor' being particularly suited to cooler temperatures.
Planting them now means that you’ll be able to enjoy sweet peas by late spring, bringing a taste of early (as their name suggests) summer to your dishes.
Unlike broad beans, early peas should be planted on a sheltered site. They also don’t require as much space and can be sown 5cm apart, with rows spaced at 60cm intervals.
You should, however, consider providing them support with sticks or netting, as this will help them climb and grow even more.
“A great way to ensure your early peas survive and develop is to plant them indoors in biodegradable pots and transplant them later once they’ve grown. This will drastically reduce damage from pests like mice and birds,” explains Collins.
3. Spinach
Spinach is also a great vegetable to plant in February, especially if you’re looking for an early harvest. It grows quickly, and hardier varieties such as 'Perpetual Spinach' can withstand lower temperatures, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh greens in early spring.
The nursery expert recommends picking a sunny or partially shaded area with rich, moisture-retentive soil, and planting the seeds 30cm apart to give them room to mature. Another possibility is sowing the seeds in containers for easier management—this can also help if you don't have as much space.
Make sure you water your crops regularly to prevent bolting, applying mulch to retain soil moisture.
"Spinach is a vegetable that keeps on giving. It's extremely rich in nutrients, and you can prolong the cropping period by harvesting its leaves regularly, always cutting the outer leaves first. This encourages new growth, allowing you to enjoy fresh veggies in your meals for longer."
