February may still feel like winter, but for gardeners eager to get a head start on the growing season, it’s the perfect time to begin planting certain root vegetables. Potatoes and onions are hardy crops that can be started early, allowing for a robust harvest in late spring or early summer. By using the right techniques and gardening tools, you can ensure strong, healthy growth despite the lingering cold.

Preparing for Early Planting

Before getting your potatoes and onions into the ground, it’s essential to prepare both your planting materials and the soil.

Choosing Seed Potatoes and Encouraging Them to Sprout Short

To give your potatoes an early boost, start by “chitting” them—a process that encourages sprouting before planting. Follow these steps:

1. Select Quality Seed Potatoes – Choose certified seed potatoes to prevent disease and ensure strong growth.
2. Place in a Bright, Cool Location – Lay your seed potatoes in an open egg carton or shallow tray, eyes facing up. Position them in a spot with indirect light and temperatures around 50°F (10°C).
3. Allow Sprouting – Over 2-4 weeks, short, sturdy green shoots will develop, preparing the potatoes for planting.

Starting Onion Sets and Seedlings

Onions can be started from sets (small bulbs) or seeds. Here’s how to get them ready:

• Onion Sets: Pre-soak onion sets in warm water for a few hours before planting to stimulate growth.
• Onion Seeds: If starting from seed, sow them indoors in seed trays or small pots about 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost. Keep them in a bright, warm location and transplant them outdoors once they are strong enough.

Best Planting Techniques for Early Potatoes and Onions

Since February still brings cold temperatures, it’s crucial to use methods that protect young plants while ensuring proper development.

Soil Preparation and Amendments

• Choose a Well-Drained Location – Avoid soggy or compacted soil, which can cause rot.
• Enrich with Compost – Mix in aged compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients and improve soil texture.
• Check pH Levels – Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5), while onions thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

Planting Potatoes

1. Dig Trenches or Holes – Space them about 12 inches apart, placing the seed potatoes 3-4 inches deep.
2. Cover with Soil – Lightly cover with soil and gradually mound it up as the plants grow to prevent exposure to sunlight (which turns potatoes green and toxic).
3. Use Row Covers or Cloches – Protect young sprouts from frost by covering them with row covers or using cold frames.

Planting Onions

1. Space Properly – Place onion sets or seedlings about 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
2. Plant Depth – Bury sets so the tops are just at soil level; for seedlings, plant them at the same depth they were growing in containers.
3. Mulch for Protection – Apply a layer of straw or mulch to insulate the soil and retain moisture.

Caring for Your Early Root Vegetables

Once your potatoes and onions are planted, ongoing care ensures healthy growth.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to rot.
• Weeding: Remove weeds promptly to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Frost Protection: If a cold snap is expected, use row covers or add extra mulch around the plants.
• Hilling Potatoes: As potato plants grow, continue adding soil around the stems to encourage more tubers to form.
• Fertilizing: Onions benefit from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks, while potatoes thrive with balanced compost amendments.

Harvesting Your Crop

By starting potatoes and onions in February, you can expect an earlier harvest than usual.

• Potatoes: Harvest when plants flower and the foliage begins to yellow. For early varieties, this is typically 10-12 weeks after planting.
• Onions: Bulbs are ready when the tops fall over and dry out, usually in late spring or early summer.

Getting a head start on potatoes and onions in February can lead to a rewarding early harvest. By preparing seed potatoes and onion sets properly, using protective planting techniques, and providing consistent care, you’ll set your garden up for success. Whether you’re an experienced grower or a beginner, these root vegetables are a great way to kick off the gardening season with confidence.