Crops to Plant in February in Nigeria | Dry Season Farming

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January 14, 2026

On January 14, 2026

Crops to Plant in February in Nigeria | Dry Season Farming

February is one of the most profitable months for farming in Nigeria if you know what you’re doing. While rainfall is still very low across most parts of the country, experienced farmers use this period to grow high-value crops that sell fast and command premium prices.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best crops to plant in February in Nigeria, carefully broken down by geopolitical zones, with practical dry-season farming tips that work for small, medium, and commercial farmers.

If you missed January farming or want to expand, February is still a strong opportunity.

Why February Is a Strategic Month for Farming in Nigeria

February sits right in the heart of the dry season. This comes with both challenges and advantages.

Advantages

Scarcity of fresh vegetables in the market
High prices for tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, leafy greens
Lower weed pressure
Reduced fungal diseases
Strong demand from urban markets

Challenges

Little or no rainfall
High dependence on irrigation
Faster soil moisture loss

Farmers who solve the water problem in February usually make excellent profits.

Key Requirements for February Dry Season Farming

Before choosing what to plant, ensure these basics are in place:

Reliable Water Source

This could be:

Borehole
Well
River or stream
Storage tank with pump
Drip or sprinkler irrigation system

Suitable Soil

Loamy or sandy-loam soil works best in February because it drains well and warms up quickly.

Market Access

February crops mature when prices are high, so proximity to markets matters.

Crops to Plant in February in Nigeria by Geopolitical Zones

North West (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto)

This zone remains Nigeria’s dry-season farming powerhouse.

Best Crops to Plant

Tomato
Pepper (tatase, rodo)
Onion
Carrot
Cabbage
Lettuce
Spinach
Wheat

Why These Crops Work

Cool Harmattan nights favour vegetable growth
Onion and tomato thrive under controlled irrigation
Strong demand from southern Nigeria

Practical Tip

Use drip irrigation and mulch to conserve water and reduce heat stress.

North East (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba)

February farming here works best near rivers and irrigation schemes.

Best Crops

Onion
Tomato
Pepper
Okra
Watermelon
Lettuce

Why

Long sunshine hours speed up maturity
Low humidity reduces disease pressure

Early morning irrigation reduces water loss to evaporation.

North Central (Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT)

This zone supports both grain and vegetable production in February.

Best Crops

Tomato
Pepper
Okra
Watermelon
Cucumber
Sweet corn
Carrot
Cabbage

Why

Moderate temperatures
Access to dams and rivers
Strong Abuja and urban markets

Raised beds improve root development and water efficiency.

South West (Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos)

February is one of the most profitable farming months in this zone.

Best Crops

Tomato
Pepper
Cucumber
Watermelon
Ugu (fluted pumpkin)
Spinach
Lettuce
Okra

Why

Very high market demand
Limited supply from rain-fed farms
Fast crop turnover

Drip irrigation is the most cost-effective option for small farms in this zone.

South East (Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi)

Fast-growing vegetables dominate February farming here.

Best Crops

Ugu
Okra
Garden egg
Pepper
Tomato
Spinach
Amaranthus

Why

Strong household consumption
Vegetables mature quickly
Easy local marketing

Shade seedlings during early growth to reduce heat stress.

South South (Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo)

Humidity is higher, but February still supports dry-season production.

Best Crops

Okra
Pepper
Garden egg
Ugu
Waterleaf
Maize (early maturing varieties)

Why

Warm soil temperatures
Good organic matter content
Consistent local demand

Ensure good spacing to reduce pest and disease pressure.

WE HANDPICKED THIS FOR YOU:

Best Crops to Plant in February Across Nigeria

If you want crops that perform well in almost all zones, focus on:

Tomato
Pepper
Okra
Cucumber
Watermelon
Lettuce
Spinach
Ugu

These crops sell fast and attract premium prices during the dry season.

Irrigation Options for February Dry Season Farming

Irrigation is not optional in February.

Best Systems

Drip irrigation – most efficient and water-saving
Sprinkler irrigation – good for leafy vegetables
Solar irrigation kits – ideal for off-grid farms
Pump and hose – suitable for very small farms

Drip irrigation can save up to 50% water and significantly improve yield.

Estimated Cost of February Dry Season Farming (Small Farm)

For a 0.25–1 acre vegetable farm:

Seeds: ₦10,000 – ₦35,000
Irrigation kit: ₦55,000 – ₦250,000
Fertilizers & agrochemicals: ₦25,000 – ₦60,000
Labour: ₦15,000 – ₦40,000

Total depends on crop choice and scale.

Common Mistakes Farmers Make in February

Planting without a water plan
Using low-quality seeds
Over-irrigating crops
Ignoring mulching
Poor pest monitoring

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly increase profit.

Best Farm Inputs for February Planting

For best results, use:

Hybrid vegetable seeds
Water-soluble fertilizers
Mulch films or dry grass
Drip irrigation kits
Crop-specific pesticides

Good inputs shorten maturity time and improve yield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is February good for farming in Nigeria?

Yes. February is one of the most profitable dry-season farming months if irrigation is available.

What crop sells fastest in February?

Tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, leafy vegetables, and watermelon sell very fast due to scarcity.

Can I farm in February without irrigation?

It is risky. Irrigation is strongly recommended for consistent results.

Finally

February is not a slow farming month. It is a high-opportunity season for farmers who understand dry-season production. By choosing the right crops for your zone and investing in simple irrigation, you can harvest when prices are high and competition is low.

For quality seeds, irrigation kits, fertilizers, and farm inputs, Farmsquare provides reliable options with nationwide delivery. Visit Farmsquare.ng to get started.