What vegetables are best to grow in February?

It is currently mid-February, and although temperatures are still low in some areas, they are expected to gradually rise by late February and into March. With the approach of the two solar terms of Jingzhe and Spring Equinox, for agriculture, the northern region is suitable for growing some cold-resistant vegetables, while vegetable planting in most parts of the south has also entered the suitable period. Let’s take a look at what vegetables are best to plant in February.

1. Cold-resistant leafy vegetables

Among the many leafy vegetable varieties, not all are cold-resistant. When planting between February and March, you should choose cold-resistant varieties such as spring spinach, lettuce, romaine lettuce , Chinese cabbage , rapeseed and pea tips. These vegetables can be sown at the same time as potatoes as long as the soil is not frozen. If conditions permit and an arch shed can be used, the sowing time can be advanced. These vegetables will grow well even in the event of frost. In the south, most leafy vegetables can be planted from late February to March.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the earlier vegetables to be planted in spring because they prefer cool climates. In the warm southern regions, it is usually planted in late autumn to winter, and in some areas it is sown between January and February. In the northern regions, planting is between February and April. For example, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei, Beijing and other places generally plant from late February to March, while the cold areas of Northeast and Northwest China plant in April. However, due to differences in climate from place to place, the specific sowing time needs to be determined according to local climatic conditions.

3. Cucumber

As a summer vegetable, cucumber is suitable for seedling cultivation and sowing in February. Choose a location with plenty of sunlight, loose soil and good drainage for planting. The seedling period is about 7 to 10 days. During this period, it is necessary to maintain suitable temperature and humidity, pay attention to appropriate watering, and ensure sufficient light.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are suitable for growing year-round, and February is a good time to start seedlings. When raising seedlings, you can use seedling trays or seedling bags, maintain suitable temperature and humidity, pay attention to watering in moderation and ensure sufficient sunlight.

5. Scallions

Shallot varieties are suitable for year-round cultivation. During the Qingming Festival, onions should be dug out and dried to keep them fresh. As temperatures rise, shallots need adequate shade and diffuse light to maintain their slender shape.

Although the temperature is generally on the rise, the temperature difference between day and night is still large and the weather is changeable. Especially in northern regions, and vegetables that have already sprouted or are growing in greenhouses, are prone to low temperatures in spring, the so-called "late spring cold." Therefore, for vegetables that are sown in advance, effective insulation and cold prevention measures must be taken to reduce the damage that may be caused by late spring cold.