What Can You Plant in Spring? A Comprehensive Guide to Spring Planting

Spring is an exciting time for gardeners. The ground is starting to thaw, the days are getting longer and it’s time to start planning your vegetable garden and flower beds. But what exactly should you be planting? Here is a comprehensive guide to the best vegetables fruits, herbs, and flowers to plant in spring.

When to Start Planting in Spring

Spring planting times vary depending on your hardiness zone and last frost date. Generally, you can begin planting crops outdoors 4-6 weeks before your average last frost Check with local agricultural extension office for specific frost dates Here are some general time frames

• Zones 3-4: Mid to late April
• Zones 5-6: Mid to late March
• Zones 7-8: Early to mid March
• Zones 9-10: Late February to Early March

Before planting outdoors, you can get a head start by planting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks earlier than your last frost date. Just be sure to gradually harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside.

Best Vegetables to Plant in Spring

Here are some of the best vegetables to plant in early spring:

• Spinach – A cold hardy leafy green. Direct sow seeds in early spring about 4 weeks before last frost.

• Lettuce – Another cold tolerant green that can be sown directly in the ground in early spring.

• Radishes – Fast growing root veggie. Sow seeds directly in garden 2-3 weeks before last frost.

• Peas – Plant pea seeds 4-6 weeks before last frost. Choose cold hardy varieties like snap peas.

• Kale – Extremely cold hardy, seeds can be sown as soon as soil can be worked in early spring.

• Cabbage – Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting seedlings outdoors in early spring.

• Broccoli – Another great cole crop for spring. Start seeds indoors and transplant outside 3-4 before last frost.

• Carrots – Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden 3-5 weeks before last spring frost.

• Beets – Can withstand cooler temps. Sow seeds outdoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.

• Onions – Cold tolerant bulb crop. Start seeds indoors or outdoors in early spring.

• Potatoes – Plant seed potatoes or pieces in trenches or holes in early spring.

Best Fruits for Spring Planting

Get a jump start on fruit crops by planting in spring:

• Strawberries – Plant bare root plants or starts in early spring once ground can be worked.

• Raspberries – Plant canes or starts of summer bearing raspberries in early spring.

• Blueberries – Plant bushes in spring after danger of frost has passed.

• Citrus trees – Bare root citrus trees like lemons, limes, grapefruit can be planted in late winter to early spring depending on your zone.

Favorite Herbs for Spring Gardens

Herbs flourish when planted in spring:

• Parsley – Sow seeds directly in the garden early in season since it prefers cooler weather.

• Chives – Extremely cold hardy, plant divisions in early spring.

• Mint – Plant mint starts in spring, it spreads quickly.

• Oregano – Sow seeds or plant starters outdoors after danger of frost.

• Thyme – Can be sown directly in spring garden or planted as starts.

• Dill – Quickly bolts in heat, so spring planting is best. Sow seeds directly in garden.

• Basil – Plant starters outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Needs warm soil.

Best Flowers for Spring Bloom

Add color to your spring landscape by planting these cheerful flowers:

• Pansies – Extremely cold hardy, plant in early spring for color through frost.

• Petunias – Plant starters after danger of frost. Choose cold tolerant varieties.

• Snapdragons – Cool weather loving annuals, sow seeds directly in garden early spring.

• Dianthus – Cottage pinks add frilly blooms, plant in early spring.

• Larkspur – Plant seeds of this cottage garden annual in early spring.

• Poppies – Sow seeds directly in garden, bloom in late spring to early summer.

• Columbine – Sow seeds to bloom late spring, or plant starters early on.

• Irises – Plant rhizomes of these early blooming perennials in early spring.

• Lilies – Plant the bulbs of Asiatic lilies and other early lily varieties in early spring.

Spring Gardening Tips

Follow these tips for success planting in spring:

• Check your average last frost date and plant crops accordingly, taking hardiness into account.

• Warm the soil with black or clear plastic sheeting before planting heat lovers like tomatoes and basil.

• Amend soil with compost or manure before planting.

• Use row covers, low tunnels, cold frames or cloches to protect delicate plants from late season frosts.

• Water spring plantings regularly if rain is lacking. Don’t let new transplants dry out.

• Weed carefully around new plantings. Weeds compete for space, nutrients and water.

• Use organic mulches like shredded leaves, straw or wood chips to keep plant roots cool and moist.

• Be patient! Many seeds planted in cooler soil take longer to germinate. Don’t give up too soon.

With proper planning and preparation, you can have a thriving, productive spring garden. Follow this guide to determine the best vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers to plant. With a little luck and care, you’ll have a bountiful harvest or gorgeous blooms this season. Happy spring planting!