Urban Gardener's Journal - February 2025 tips

Urban Gardener's Journal - February 2025 tips

Urban Gardening Tips for February


Dear Growers, it is official!


The growing season can start with sowing new seeds indoors. Do you have empty spots in a windowsill? Even better, if you have grow lights and grow mat, you can already gain 4-8 weeks of season by starting indoors.  


Best way to start this season? With the most exciting event of the season: No Dig Urban Gardening Course by the one and only Charles Dowding - in person! You heard right, he will be hosting him here in Amstelveen, so check out below details as you don’t want to miss it.

1. What to Sow / Transplant this month?


Indoor sowing early February

  • Broad Beans: If you haven’t already done so, you can sow broad beans indoors to transplant in March. Broad Beans sown earlier in January can also be transplanted under cover now if the ground isn’t frozen, preferably under fleece. Don’t wait too long for March, as early sowings set you up not only for earlier crops but also help reduce pests like black flies in May
  • Peppers, Chilis, and Aubergines: These long-season crops thrive with an early start indoors, only to be transplanted after the last frost of the season, to ensure a fruitful summer harvest. Start seeds indoors in a warm location. Note that you will need to re-pot to larger containers, so make sure you have the space and time as they will be transplanted outdoors around late-May. They need not only frost-free but also true warmth to thrive
  • Bulb and Spring Onions: I like to begin sowing indoors now, to transplant after 6-8 weeks for healthy transplants. These are frost-hardy compared to Aubergine and Peppers, and can be planted around mid-March outdoors. The reason for early sowing is that they have a long seed-to-harvest period, therefore if you have indoor space you can start sowing earlier to transplant in spring


Indoor sowing for outdoor transplants mid-February onwards:

  • Spinach: Multi-sow 3-4 seeds in a module tray. Make sure the seed type is for cold hardy types - i.e., not the Malabar or New Zealand summer type
  • Lettuce for heads and leaves. I like to either sow many seeds in a small tray to pluck them out later one by one in a sowing module tray. Or alternatively you can sow 2-3 seeds per module, and thin them out to one later
  • Brassicas is the perfect time mid-February. Make sure the variety is suitable for spring such as Radish, Turnip, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi
  • Cold-hardy Herbs such as Parsley, Dill, Chives
  • Peas, my absolute spring favorite. I start mid February mainly for shoots and as of late February for pea pods
  • FennelEnd February is a good time to start sowing for bulbs to minimize chances of bolting from late sowing
  • Artichoke can be started indoors from February onwards - ensure they have sufficient time to grow indoors before it can be transplanted after frost in a warm location (preferably for indoor growing)
  • Flowers; I like to start with Sweet Peas and Borage from seed this month. For Ranunculus and Anemone I will start from tubers early February. They are a great early colours to your garden with gorgeous looking flowers.


For our members - special 10% discount on all seeds this week until 8 February with code GARDENFEBRUARY at checkout!



Photo on 31st January from our Education Garden @MOES Tuinen - what an amazing diversity of winter veggies can grow in greenhouse in the Netherlands

2. What seeds to get ready for March?


Please be patient for the following crops to not sow too early, cause that little wait can make a difference for the following (in case of frost / colds for later in the season):

3. Jobs to be Done*

  • Propagating and Sowing Seeds Indoors: This month is filled with new vegetables to sow. Start sowing seeds indoors in a warm, well-lit space to give your seedlings a strong start for transplanting later. I like to use a sturdy seed tray, like this one for larger seeds or these Charles Dowding trays for smaller seeds
  • Preparing Fleece and Equipment: Get your fleece, cloches, and other protective equipment ready for March. These tools are essential for safeguarding young seedlings against late frosts and ensuring a smooth transition to outdoor planting.
  • Slug Checks: Begin monitoring for slugs as the weather warms up. Lay down slug traps or handpick them from your garden beds, especially in areas where new seedlings will be transplanted. Preventing slug damage early can save your crops later! My favorite two products are slug collars and slug nematodes. These are both natural ways to manage slugs, the latter more expensive but may be worth trying. You can apply the nematodes from mid-February / March that can reduce the population before your new seedlings


*All links mentioned here are outside Backyard Goodness partners - no affiliations with us, but just my favorite products as a gardener that I can objectively recommend

4. Harvests & Seasonal Chef tips

  • Chinese Cabbage Bean: Oh my, if you are a bean & Tahini fan, you have to check out this recipe as it has been an addiction in our family
  • Pak Choy Lentil Hummus: A unique twist on hummus, blending the earthy flavors of lentils with the freshness of pak choy. This dish is a delicious, healthy option for dipping or spreading!
  • Chard Dolma: Stuffed chard leaves filled with a flavorful mix of grains, herbs, and spices. A vibrant and nourishing dish perfect for impressing guests. Get the full recipe inspiration here.
  • Radicchio Salad: Brighten up your table with this vibrant radicchio salad. Packed with bold flavors, it’s the perfect balance of bitterness and crunch. Recipe details here.
  • Soup Season: Cozy up with comforting bowls of seasonal soups. From hearty vegetable broths to creamy classics, there’s a soup for every mood. Explore inspiration here.

5. BYG Updates


We are thrilled to announce our upcoming event with Charles Dowding, the pioneer of No Dig gardening! On Sunday, 11 May, Charles will be hosting a special No Dig Urban Gardening Course at MOES Tuinen in Amstelveen. This event is perfect for gardeners, educators, and urban growers of all levels.


The course will cover the principles of No Dig gardening, showing how to save time while achieving abundant harvests. You’ll learn how to set up productive beds, sow seeds, and grow popular summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this course will empower you with simple, effective techniques to transform your gardening approach.


We’re also excited to host this event in our brand-new 100m²+ Education Garden, where you’ll get hands-on experience applying the No Dig methods in practice.

Spaces are limited, so make sure to reserve your spot soon!


As a special thank you to the Backyard Goodness community, we’re offering an exclusive 10% discount on tickets with the code BACKYARDGOODNESS10.


This is just the start of an exciting year ahead, filled with new events, garden developments, and more gardening inspiration. Stay tuned for updates—you won’t want to miss what we have planned!



See you in our next newsletter in March 2025!

In case of any questions in the meanwhile, feel free to reach out.

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