Spring is the perfect season to start planting your garden. With the right vegetables, you can jumpstart your growing season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce sooner.
Early spring offers cool temperatures and longer daylight, creating the perfect conditions for certain veggies to thrive. By selecting fast-growing, cold-hardy vegetables, you’ll have a bumper harvest quickly!
When is "Early Spring" for Planting?
Early spring isn't the same date on the calendar across the United States. In Florida, early spring planting might begin in February, while gardeners in Minnesota may need to wait until May. This variability makes it essential to understand your specific growing conditions rather than following generic planting advice.
For gardening purposes, early spring typically refers to the period when the soil becomes workable and the risk of hard frost (28°F or below) has largely passed. In cool northern climates (USDA zones 3-5), this usually occurs from late April to mid-May. In temperate regions (zones 6-7), early spring falls between mid-March and early April. Warm southern climates (zones 8-10) experience early spring conditions from late January through March.
To determine the right planting time for your location, start by identifying your USDA hardiness zone, which provides a framework for your climate's frost dates. Then, pay attention to local weather patterns and soil conditions. The soil should be dry enough to crumble in your hand without forming a mud ball.
A soil thermometer can help—many spring vegetables germinate when soil temperatures reach 40-50°F. Local extension offices and experienced gardeners in your community can also provide valuable insights about typical planting times that general guidelines might miss.
Now that you understand when "early spring" arrives in your region, let's explore which vegetables thrive in these cool but promising conditions. The following 13 vegetables are particularly well-suited for early spring planting, offering both cold tolerance and relatively quick harvests as they take advantage of spring's increasing daylight and moderate temperatures.
Spinach
Spinach is an excellent choice for early spring planting, as it thrives in cooler temperatures. It grows quickly, usually ready for harvest in just 4 to 6 weeks, making it a favorite for gardeners looking for a fast yield. Spinach prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and a sunny location. You can plant spinach directly in the soil or start it indoors for an earlier harvest. Regular watering is key to keeping the leaves tender and fresh.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another fast-growing vegetable that flourishes in early spring. It loves cooler temperatures and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to any spring garden. Lettuce varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf are perfect for the season. These types grow quickly, with most ready to harvest in just 30 days. You can plant lettuce seeds directly into the soil or start them in containers.
Read more: Romaine Lettuce Versus Spinach
Peas
Peas thrive in cool spring weather and are a great vegetable to plant early. They grow best in rich, well-drained soil and need plenty of sunlight to support their climbing vines. Plant peas as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Whether you choose garden peas, sugar snap peas, or snow peas, they will all do well in the springtime. Peas require a trellis or support system to help them grow tall and produce plenty of pods.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, perfect for early spring. They can go from seed to harvest in three to four weeks, allowing you to enjoy their crisp texture quickly. Radishes grow best in cool soil and well-drained, fertile ground. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant them directly into the soil, ensuring enough space to develop properly.
Kale
Kale is a hardy, nutrient-rich green that grows well in early spring. It can withstand light frosts, making it ideal for planting when the soil is workable. Kale prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun, though it can also tolerate partial shade. This leafy green grows quickly, and you can harvest outer leaves while leaving the plant to continue growing. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making it a healthy addition to any garden.
Carrots
Carrots are perfect for early spring planting, as they grow best in the cool, damp soil of the season. They require loose, well-drained soil to allow their roots to grow properly, so preparing your garden bed before planting is essential. Carrots are slow-growers, typically taking 2-3 months to mature, but the cool spring temperatures help develop sweet, flavorful roots. Plant carrot seeds directly in the soil and thin them as they grow to give them space to develop.
Read more: 7 Best Fertilizers for Carrots
Broccoli
Broccoli is another cool-weather vegetable that thrives in early spring. It grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and requires consistent moisture for healthy development. Plant broccoli seeds indoors or directly in your garden about 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Broccoli needs full sun to grow well and should be spaced properly for good airflow. It’s ready to harvest once the heads are large, compact, and firm.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that thrives in early spring and can handle cooler temperatures. It grows quickly, often ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days, and can tolerate light frost. Swiss chard grows best in well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. It prefers full sun but will still grow in partial shade. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth, and you can continue harvesting throughout the season.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are another fast-growing vegetable that thrives in the cool temperatures of early spring. They are packed with flavor, offering a peppery taste that adds a spicy kick to your meals. Mustard greens grow well in rich, fertile soil and can be planted directly into the garden once the soil is workable. These greens mature quickly, usually in 4 to 6 weeks, and can be harvested by picking the outer leaves.
Turnips
Turnips are cool-season root vegetables that grow well in early spring. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil and are easy to plant from seeds. Turnips proliferate, typically maturing in about 2 to 3 months. The roots can be harvested when they reach a good size, and the greens are also edible and delicious in salads or sautés. Turnips are a versatile vegetable, perfect for roasting, adding to stews, or enjoying raw.
Kohlrabi (Unusual Brassica)
Kohlrabi is an unusual-looking yet highly rewarding spring vegetable. Sometimes called a “cabbage turnip,” it develops a round, bulbous stem above ground that tastes like a sweet, mild turnip or broccoli stem. Kohlrabi grows quickly in cool weather and can yield a lot of produce in a small area, including edible greens.
Fava Beans (Broad Beans)
Fava beans are an unusual but highly rewarding early-season crop. Unlike common beans, favas thrive in cool weather and can even handle frost. They grow into sturdy, upright plants that produce velvety pods filled with large, buttery beans. Planting fava beans in early spring not only yields an early protein-rich harvest, but also improves your soil.
Bok Choy (Pak Choi, Chinese Cabbage)
Bok choy is a fast-maturing Asian green that performs beautifully in spring. With its crisp white stalks and tender green leaves, it’s a productive crop that can be harvested as a full head or as individual leaves. It tolerates cool weather and light frost but will bolt in heat, so spring (and fall) are the best times to grow it.
Additional Spring Garden Tips
For the best results in early spring planting, choose vegetables suited to cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by adding compost or fertilizer and ensure it’s rich in organic matter.
Plant seeds at the proper depth, spaced well apart for healthy growth. Regular watering is essential, especially with inconsistent spring rainfall. Be ready for late frosts using row covers or cloches to protect young plants.
Final Thoughts
Early spring is an ideal time to plant vegetables that love cool weather. The above vegetables are all excellent for a bumper harvest from spinach to turnips. These fast-growing, cold-hardy crops can be planted as soon as the soil is ready, and with the proper care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce in just a few weeks.