Planting Options for Early Spring Gardens
Early Spring Gardening: A Guide to Cool-Season Planting
As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring begin to appear, gardeners may find themselves itching to get their hands dirty. But before diving headfirst into the soil, it's important to consider the best options for early spring planting.
Container planting is a great solution when the soil is still too cold for outdoor planting. This is the perfect time to sow seeds for vegetables and flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures.
Vegetables
Peas, radishes, spinach, lettuce, kale, chard, and beets are all suitable for planting in early spring when soil temperatures are still low and before the last frost.
Peas, especially cold-hardy varieties like 'Sugar Snap' and 'Early Frosty', can be direct sown as soon as the soil is workable. They require support for climbing and do well in well-drained soil and ample sunlight [1][4].
Radishes, known for their rapid growth and good tolerance to cool soil, can be direct sown in early spring. Varieties like 'Cherry Belle' or 'French Breakfast' do well with direct sowing [1].
Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures and can be direct sown in late winter or early spring. Favor varieties such as 'Bloomsdale' or 'Lakeside' [1].
Lettuce, including types like 'Butterhead' and 'Romaine', can be seeded 2-4 weeks before the last frost and prefer consistent moisture to avoid bolting [1][5].
Kale is a cold-hardy leafy green that can be sown 1-2 weeks before the last frost and harvested early for baby leaves. It can tolerate cool soils and some frost [1][5].
Swiss chard and chard are also cool-season leafy greens that tolerate light frost and are suitable for early spring planting with mulch to retain soil moisture and protect against cold [2][4].
Herbs
Parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, sorrel, and lemon balm are all hardy herbs that can be planted weeks before the last spring frost date. These herbs are commonly recommended for early cool-season planting [1][2][4][5].
Parsley, chervil, and chives can be planted 4 weeks before the last spring frost, while thyme, sorrel, and lemon balm can be planted 3 weeks before the last spring frost [1][2].
Other Options
Sweet peas (edible) can be planted when soil temperatures hit 34°F, while radishes seeds can be sown when soil is at least 39°F [1]. Carrots can be planted in a very sunny location when soil temperature hits 39°F, up to three weeks before the last spring frost date [1].
Violas can be planted in early spring for quick blooming and months of color, and Bachelor's Buttons can be planted for bright blue, purple, or pink blooms [1].
Planting seeds indoors allows for early growth and a greater selection of plants. This is a great option for gardeners who are eager to get a head start on the growing season [1].
Before starting early spring gardening, it's recommended to clean and organize cultivation tools, inspect seed supply, and wash tools to ensure a successful growing season [1]. Most direct sow cool-season vegetables prefer well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and may benefit from protective measures like mulch or row covers to safeguard against late frosts [1].
In summary, for early spring planting before the last frost in cool soils, focus on peas, radishes, spinach, lettuce, kale, chard, and hardy herbs like parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, sorrel, and lemon balm [1][2][4][5].
To prepare for the spring gardening season, you can start sowing cool-season vegetables like peas, radishes, spinach, lettuce, kale, and chard in your home and garden, as they thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring [1]. Additionally, home-and-garden enthusiasts may enjoy planting hardy herbs such as parsley, cilantro, chives, and lemon balm indoors, providing a headstart for the growing season [1].
