A Head Start on Spring at Reed's Organic Farm

February may still feel like the heart of winter, but inside the greenhouse at Reed’s Farm, the season is already beginning to shift. Trays are filling, seeds are going in, and the first signs of spring are quietly taking shape. Starting seeds this time of year gives us a valuable head start, helping ensure strong, healthy plants are ready for transplanting as soon as the weather begins to warm.

The Greenhouse Advantage

Our greenhouses create a safe, steady environment for young seedlings during the coldest part of the year. By trapping warmth from the sun and shielding plants from wind and frost, they form a stable microclimate that supports early growth. That extra heat and humidity encourage faster germination while protecting delicate roots from the freezing temperatures just beyond the greenhouse walls.

What’s Sprouting This Month

February is a busy time for seed starting, and the greenhouse is already filling with a thoughtful mix of cool-hardy crops and longer-season favorites. We’re sowing hearty greens like kale, kohlrabi, cabbage, Swiss chard, escarole, and radicchio, along with early herbs including basil, dill, and parsley. Spring staples such as snow peas, fava beans, and cauliflower are also underway, while warm-season favorites like tomatoes and peppers are getting their early start since they need the longest time to develop. We’re even beginning cucumbers now to help set the stage for summer harvests down the line.

The Timeline

Most seedlings spend about a month growing in the greenhouse. Once they’ve developed strong root systems and their first true leaves, they move onto their next stage.

Some are transplanted into other greenhouse spaces, where they can continue growing in protected soil. Others are hardened off, gradually introduced to outdoor conditions so they can adjust before being planted in the main production fields.

Starting seeds in February means we’ll be harvesting earlier and more steadily once the season is underway. Even while the landscape outside is quiet, the growing season has already begun.