If you missed starting some seeds with us last month, it’s not too late! February is a great month to join the seed starting journey with us. You will learn so much about what seeds to start in February zone 6a & 6b. 

In our February seed starting guide for zone 6, we walk you through the best crops to start this month by seed. We cover all the vegetables, flowers, and herb seeds that you can start now indoors in February zone 6. We also give you a February planting schedule and seed starting calendar for zone 6. This schedule is a rough guideline of when you can start your seeds in February zone 6a & 6b. 

This month’s planting schedule and seed starting calendar is meant to help you on your seed starting journey. Before starting any seeds, be sure to check your frost dates and local growing conditions. 

Starting seeds in February zones 6a & 6b

Within zone 6, there are different microclimates. These are designated by the letters A or B. The information in today’s guide is broadly designed for zone 6 gardeners. You may need to adjust the planting schedule for your specific growing conditions and climate. It is usually a couple of weeks here or there if you need to make any adjustments. 

Are you new to seed starting?

If so, you may be wondering what the terms growing zone, hardiness zone, and frost dates mean. You may also be wondering about how to get started sowing seeds. 

Don’t fret, we’ve put together two handy guides available over on our blog. One is dedicated to understanding growing zones, hardiness zones, and frost dates. The other walks you through the basics of seed starting. 

The information in both guides will get you well on your way to starting seeds in no time!

What seeds to start in February zone 6

As we inch closer to Spring, the variety of seeds that you can start indoors is also increasing. Last month we saw that the choices were a little limited. But, in February, there are so many different types of crops that you can begin to sow by seed indoors in zone 6. 

Like January, February is a great month to continue sowing cool weather crops indoors. Cold crops like broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and cabbage can be started this month. 

You can also continue to succession sow leafy greens. Crops like kale, lettuce, collards, Swiss chard, and Asian greens can be started indoors this month. When ready, transplant out into a cold frame, greenhouse or hoop tunnel in early spring. Getting them started now will give you a head start on the growing season. It will also allow you to harvest fresh produce earlier. 

What to Start Growing Indoors in February

Growing different microgreens is sure to add nutrients to your diet this winter! These crops can be grown and harvested completely indoors over winter. 

It’s still a little early for warm weather crops. Seeds for tomatoes, some peppers, cucumbers, melons, and zucchini are best started later on. Keep checking the blog for more seed starting guides to come! 

If you’re looking to grow super hot peppers this year, you can get started in late February. These peppers take a little longer than other varieties to grow. Starting them early will give you the head start you need to have an abundant harvest of spicy hot peppers. 

February is also a great time to get started planning and seeding for your summer flower garden. Lupines, geraniums, impatiens, hollyhocks, larkspur, carnations, and marigolds are just some of the flower seeds to start sowing indoors in February in zone 6. When the pollinators are happily buzzing around your vegetable garden, you’ll be glad you started them early!

Vegetable seeds to start in February zone 6

There are several different vegetable seeds that you can start in February in zone 6. Here are some of our favourites. 

Starting celery by seed in February zone 6

Celery has a long growing season. Starting early will help you to make the most out of your harvest. Celery takes 130-140 days from seed to harvest. Starting early will ensure a bountiful harvest.

Aim to start your celery seeds indoors about the middle of February in zone 6. Celery seeds like to just make contact with the soil. 

To seed, gently press your seeds into the potting mix. Do not press down too deep or hard. And, do not cover them with soil. Celery seeds are quite small, so burying them in soil will make it difficult for them to sprout. Keep the seeds moist, but not soaked. This will help to ensure proper germination. 

Celery does need a certain amount of warmth to grow. A heating mat or a warm, sunny windowsill will work fine. 

Wait until the last frost before transitioning your celery seedlings outdoors. Seedlings will need to be thinned. Always better to overseed and thin later to ensure good germination. 

Some of our favourite varieties of celery to grow by seed in zone 6 are: 

• Tall Utah
• Giant Red
• Tango
• Golden Pascal
• Conquistador

Starting hot peppers by seed in February zone 6

Most pepper varieties will be started mid to late March in zone 6. But, some spicy hot peppers benefit from a head start in February in zone 6. Hot peppers often take a little longer to grow than others. Starting them early in February will allow time for them to grow into healthy young seedlings. 

A few of the spicy hot peppers that need an early head start in February in zone 6 are Carolina Reaper, Hungarian Hot Wax, Early Jalapeno, Ghost Peppers, and Cayenne Peppers. 

When to Start Your Peppers Indoors in Zone 6

Zone 6 covers a large area with different microclimates. The timing to start your peppers indoors in February may vary. For example, if you live in the more northern end of zone 6, aim to start these peppers indoors mid February. To help you remember, start your peppers around Valentine’s Day. It’s not only a day for love, but also a spicy day to start your seedlings! If you are on the warmer end of zone 6, you can start your peppers a little later in the month or the first week of March. It will depend on your last frost date and how early you wish to extend the harvest. 

Some of our favourite varieties of hot pepper seeds to start indoors in February in zone 6 are: 

• Anaheim Chili
• Scotch Bonnet
• Habanero
• Serrano
• Hot Banana Peppers
• Ancho or Poblano Peppers
• Cayenne Peppers

Peppers benefit from light and heat to germinate. If you are starting your hot pepper seeds in a northern region, having an adequate light source is a must. Starting your seeds under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill will help you to mimic the outdoor daylight. 

Growing on a heat mat can help speed up the process of germination for hot peppers. Hot peppers love the heat. Providing them with a heat source during germination will give them the ideal conditions to sprout into healthy seedlings. 

The hotter the pepper, the longer it takes to germinate. Some can even take up to 14 days to germinate. So, patience will be a virtue here. Be patient and expect them to take a little longer than other peppers to germinate. 

Starting in February gives you that time to account for longer germination periods. Doing so will also help you to extend the harvest. 

Starting onions and leeks by seed in February zone 6

There is still time to start some onions and leeks indoors this month in zone 6. Aim to get them started the first two weeks of February to get a good head start on the growing season. 

First time growing your own onions? Be sure to visit our handy guide to growing onions. In the guide, we walk you through the basics of growing your own onions. We explain the differences between planting onions by set and by seed. We also cover the different varieties that are good for different growing zones. 

When you grow onions and leeks by seed, it’s best to start with fresh seed. The shelf life of onion and leek seeds is not very long so using them in the same season is always best.

When you grow onions and leeks by seed, you will need to thin out the seedlings before planting in the garden. Do this after the seedlings have grown to a decent size and are able to be easily separated. 

Your onion and leek seeds will need adequate light and warmth to germinate. Give them a haircut from time to time to help the seedlings grow stronger for later transplant to the garden. 

Some of our favourite varieties of onions and leeks to grow by seed are: 

• Utah Sweet Spanish Onions
• Walla Walla Onions
• King Richard Leeks
• American Flag Leeks
• Ailsa Craig Onions
• Tokyo Long Onions

Starting cole crops by seed in February zone 6

Some new crops to start in February in zone 6 belong to the cole crop family. These include a lot of the brassicas like cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi, and cabbage. Starting these crops in February in zone 6 will allow you to transplant them out into a cold frame, greenhouse or hoop tunnel in the spring. 

Cole crops can withstand cooler temperatures. Growing them under cover until the danger of frost has passed will help them to gently transition them to outdoor weather. 

Many of these crops are easy to grow by seed. But, planning for the space they require is essential. Many of these crops have broad outer leaves. Taking this into account when planning where you will plant your crops is key to success. 

Crops in the brassica family do well in raised beds, containers, and even larger in-ground gardens. Aim to seed your cole crops indoors towards the end of February to mid March. You can stagger the plantings to harvest crops at different times. 

Some of our favourite varieties of cole crops are: 

• Imperial Broccoli
• Copenhagen Market Cabbage
• Emiko Cabbage
• Snowball Y Cauliflower
• Calabrese Broccoli 

Flower seeds to start in February zone 6

There are several varieties of flowers that you can start by seed this month in zone 6. Lupines, foxgloves, and hollyhocks are some of the perennials that you can get started sowing by seed indoors. These showy flowers look stunning in the garden and give it that old country garden feel. Nothing is a more romantic flower in the garden than the delicate blooms of a hollyhock. 

February is also a great month to get started planning your summer flower garden. Flowers like cosmos, carnations, geraniums, and larkspur can be started indoors this month. Some of these can be used in cut-flower bouquets. 

Aim to start all of these flowers by seed at the end of February. Some of them can be slow to grow from seed. Be patient. These beautiful blooms will reward you later on when the weather is warmer over the summer.

Getting a head start now will allow you to grow vibrant seedlings that will be ready for outdoors when the danger of frost has passed. 

Some of our favourite flower seeds to start indoors in February in zone 6 are: 

• Country Romance Hollyhocks
• Maverick Series of Geraniums
• Russell Lupines 
• Pam’s Choice Foxgloves
• Peaches ‘N’ Dreams Hollyhocks

Herb seeds to start in February zone 6

If you missed the opportunity to start some herbs by seed, it’s not too late. You can still start a lot of the more cold tolerant herbs indoors this month. Some you can even keep indoors year round for an indoor kitchen window herb garden. 

Some of the herbs that are best started this month indoors in zone 6 are thyme, parsley, rosemary, chives, and oregano. These aromatic herbs help to fill the house with fresh smells. They work great in a variety of different meals. 

Starting herbs by seed in February zone 6

Aim to start your herbs by seed throughout the month. Come spring, you can transition your herbs to the garden if you like or keep them indoors. The design of your herb garden is up to your own imagination! 

Some of our favourite varieties of herb seeds to start indoors in February in zone 6 are: 

• Garlic Chives
• Greek Oregano
• Italian Oregano
• Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
• Curly Parsley 
• Tuscan Blue Rosemary

Frequently asked questions about starting seeds in zone 6

Do you need grow light to start seeds?

Most seeds will need some light to germinate. The exception is pansies which require darkness at first until germination begins. 

You do not necessarily need to grow lights to grow indoors over winter. They do help if they are in your budget and you have available space for them. 

You can also use a sunny kitchen window or south facing windowsill to germinate your seeds. As they sprout, you will need to turn them as the sun moves during the day. 

How many hours a day should your grow lights be on for seedlings?

Usually 14-16 hours a day is sufficient for most seedlings. Some power bars come with a timer or you can buy a separate timer attachment. This will help you to set it for a certain amount of hours per day after which they will automatically shut off. 

Should you leave grow lights on 24/7?

No, you should avoid leaving your grow lights on 24/7. Most seedlings once they emerge will require about 14-16 hours of light per day. 

The idea is to mimic the daylight that they would receive outdoors. So, only having them on for a certain amount of hours per day will get your seedlings ready for their outdoor transition.

What do do after seeds sprout indoors?

After your seedlings emerge, you will need to actively monitor their progress. This means ensuring that they have the right balance of temperature, light, and water. 

If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to gently water them. Avoid having your seedlings sitting in too much standing water. This will cause stress which you want to avoid. 

How long can seedlings stay in seed trays?

Young seedlings can typically stay in their seed trays for 4-6 weeks. After this, you will need to consider re-potting them into larger containers.

 Or, if you are at the point where they can go outdoors, you can slowly acclimate them for later transplant. 

How often do you water seedlings?

Seedlings will need water while they are actively growing. Keep an eye on their water levels. Do not let them dry out too much. 

Since you are most likely starting your seeds indoors this time of year in zone 6, the tendency to dry out is higher. Keeping a close watch over your seedlings each day will help you to monitor their progress. 

Avoid over or under watering and inconsistent watering schedules. This can add undue stress to your seedlings. 

Final thoughts

If you’ve caught the gardening fever and are eager to get started, there are several seeds you can start in February in zone 6. Whether it’s vegetables, herbs, or flowers, let today’s guide be the inspiration you need to get started. 

If you’re new to starting seeds, be sure to follow along with us all month long over on our socials. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Consider joining our supportive online community where you can chat and share knowledge with other gardeners and learn about what they are growing in their gardens. Also, don’t miss out on any of our how-to tutorials and seed starting guides that will be posted throughout the month across our socials.

Also, while you’re here on the blog, consider subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on any of the fun and interesting updates to come as we begin the seed starting season! You will also want to visit our online store with easy shipping options throughout Canada. Here you will find a large variety of our handmade items with the quality craftsmanship you can trust from Canadian-made products. We take pride in handcrafting all of our items in our shop just for you with the quality you can trust from Bluenose Blooms Home & Garden.

Until next time gardening friends, have some favourite seeds that you are starting in February in zone 6? Drop a comment below or share a photo over on our socials. We love to hear from you and share in the seed starting journey together!

The post Zone 6 February planting schedule and monthly seed starting calendar appeared first on Bluenose Blooms Home & Garden.

But, fear not gardening friends. In today’s blog, we show you how to identify your growing or hardiness zone. We also explain what this information means for the types of plants you can grow.

As a bonus, we also walk you through how you can use this information to plan out your gardens this season. So, pull up a chair and let’s dig in!

What is a growing zone?

A growing or hardiness zone refers to a specific geographic area with its own unique climatic conditions. The climate found in each zone is capable of sustaining growth for certain types of plants. These plants are able to adapt to a specific set of growing conditions.

There will be some plants which are hardy through a wider range of zones, like hydrangeas. Others will be more on the finicky side. These finicky types of plants may only grow in a very narrow range of zones.

Why do growing zones matter?

Every plant needs the basics to survive. They often need adequate sun or shade; access to water; proper temperatures; air flow; good quality soil; proper drainage, etc. But, the climate a plant is growing in is also vitally important to its overall survival.

If you are new to gardening, the easiest way to think about growing or hardiness zones is to visualize them as a type of guide.

Each guide, or zone, helps gardeners identify the plants that are most likely to survive in their climate and seasonal growing conditions.

Although growing zones were originally developed in the United States, they are now widely used in Canada too! These zones help gardeners know which types of plants will thrive best in their region.

How to Identify Your Growing Zone

Identifying your growing zone is simpler than you might think. Start by using an online growing zone map for your country.

In Canada, for instance, the Canadian Hardiness Zone Map offers a detailed breakdown based on climatic factors like temperature extremes, frost dates, and elevation.

For gardeners in the United States, the USDA Hardiness Zone map offers helpful information on how to identify your zone. You can also check with your local extension office for information on planting dates and hardiness zones.

Once you know your zone, you can start narrowing down plant options that will thrive in your specific growing conditions.

Remember that factors like microclimates in your yard (such as sunny spots or sheltered areas) may slightly impact plant survival.

What are the growing zones for Canada?

Growing zones in Canada are divided by the annual minimum temperature extreme in a given area. Although hardiness zones in the United States range from 1-13, here in Canada, we don’t have temperatures quite high enough to go past 9.

Canadian growing zones range from 0-9. The higher the number, the higher the minimum temperature extreme will be and vice versa.

For example, in Canada, the warmest areas would be on the coast of British Columbia. The coldest would be in the Northern territories.

The letters A or B are often added to growing zones. This is used to indicate slight variations in seasonal annual temperature extremes within the same geographic area.

Quick Reference: Growing Zones for Major Canadian Cities

• Vancouver: 8b
• Edmonton: 4a
• Victoria: 9b
• Kelowna: 7a
• Calgary: 4a
• Saskatoon: 3b
• Winnipeg: 3a
• Toronto: 7a
• Halifax: 6b
• Montreal: 6a
• St. John’s: 6a
• Whitehorse: 0b
• Iqaluit: 0a

What are the growing zones for the United States?

Hardiness zones in the United States range from 1-13. The letters A and B are also used to distinguish slight variations in climate within the same geographic area.

Like Canada, hardiness zones in the United States help gardeners to determine which plants are most likely to survive in their geographic location.

Quick reference: USDA Hardiness Zones for Major American cities

• Miami, Florida: 10b
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 7a and 7b
• New York, New York: 7b
• Houston, Texas: 9
• Augusta, Maine: 5b
• Phoenix, Arizona: 9b and 10a
• Los Angeles, California: 9 and 10
• Charleston, South Carolina: 9a
• Columbus, Ohio: 6

Why is knowing your growing zone important when planning a garden or buying plants?

Knowing your growing zone is vitally important to planning your garden. It helps you choose plants that are suitable for the growing conditions in your local area.

Nothing could be worse than going to the trouble of picking out plants for your garden to learn the hard way later on that they are unsuitable for your growing zone.

Before you purchase plants to add to your garden, first find out what zone you are growing in. Next, be sure to do some research on the zone. This will help you find plants adapted to your growing conditions.

When in doubt, check the tags of the plants that you would like to purchase or the seeds you want to start. Growing zones are often listed on the plant’s identification tags or the back of a seed packet.

If you’re still unsure, you can always check with staff at your local nursery or garden centre. You can even attend some meetings at your local garden club and talk to fellow gardeners in your area. In the US, check with your local extension office for more info on your growing zone.

Arming yourself with this knowledge before you plant will save you the heartache of buying too many plants for your garden that will not thrive in your local growing conditions.

How to Check Growing Zone Information on Plants

• Check Plant Tags: Most nursery plants have growing zone information listed on their tags.
• Research Plants Before You Buy: Look online or consult gardening books to verify plant hardiness for your zone.
• Consult Local Experts: Staff at your local nursery or garden center can offer valuable advice.
• Read the back of seed packets before planting: Seed packets offer a wealth of information on the back side of the packet. Check this information before planting to see if the crops or flowers you want to start are hardy to your zone.

Growing zones and planting guide

As a quick reference guide, here are some common examples of plants found in many gardens and the range of zones in which they are hardy:

1. Azaleas: zones 5-9
2. Rhododendron: zones 4-8
3. Daylily: zones 4-9
4. Hostas: zones 3-8
5. Boxwood: zones 5-9
6. North pole arborvitae: zones 3-8

How to Use Growing Zone Information for Garden Planning

Arming yourself with growing zone knowledge can help you make better decisions when planning your garden. Here are some ways to use this information:

1. Select Plants That Thrive Locally: Focus on plants well-suited to your zone to reduce maintenance.
2. Time Your Planting: Knowing frost dates and temperature extremes helps you decide when to plant.
3. Experiment Wisely: Try pushing the boundaries of your growing zone with proper care and microclimate use.

Frequently asked questions about growing zones

What do zone numbers mean when growing?

The numbers attached to each growing zone indicate the average minimum temperature extremes during winter for a given geographic area.

From there, you will be able to determine which plants are best able to survive in the temperature extremes within your growing area.

What are the coldest and warmest growing zones in Canada and the US?

In the US, the coldest growing zone is USDA zone 1. For Canada, the coldest growing zone is Oa. In the US, the hottest growing zone is 13. For Canada, the warmer growing zone is 9.

What is Nova Scotia’s growing or climate zone?

Nova Scotia splits itself into two growing zones, 5 and 6. There are also several microclimate zones within Nova Scotia distinguished by the letters A and B. Or, 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b. The differences come from Nova Scotia’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean which drives different weather patterns.

What growing zone is Ontario in?

Since Ontario is one of Canada’s largest provinces, it spans several growing zones. These include growing zones 0-7. The zone that one is growing in will depend on the region of Ontario that the gardener lives in.

What growing zone is Canada in?

Since Canada is the second largest country in the world, it contains several different growing zones. From coast-to-coast-to-coast, Canada is home to growing zones 0-9.

Are Canadian and US growing zones the same?

Although certain parts of Canada and United States may share similar climate conditions, each country has developed their own growing zone classification systems.

When determining what zone you are growing in, always be sure to pick the guidelines developed for your country or growing area. But, know that these are strictly guidelines. Planting and frost dates will vary from year to year based on a number of different factors.

Do growing zones ever change?

Yes, as the climate continues to change, so do the updates that come to both the Canadian and US versions of growing zone maps and guidelines. Checking these updates will help you to properly plan your gardening or seed starting projects.

Final thoughts about growing zones

Learning about your growing zone and the types of plants that thrive best is often the first step in planning a new garden. Start by identifying what zone you are in. Then, do some research into plants that thrive best in that zone.

Equipping yourself with this knowledge before you head out to purchase new plants will help you to make the best selections to match your growing conditions.

Until next time gardening friends, do you have some favourite plants that grow well for you in your growing zone? If so, leave a comment below or over on our socials. We always love to hear about your gardens and what you have been up to with your gardening projects!

While you are visiting our socials, be sure to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. And, be sure to check back on our blog for more helpful tips and new product launches on our online store. All items in the store are completely handmade with the quality you can trust from Canadian-made products. Consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out on any of the new updates.

The post Growing zones: What do they mean and why are they important? appeared first on Bluenose Blooms Home & Garden.