Preparing Your Garden for Early Spring Growth: A Comprehensive Guide
In the early days of spring, as the last remnants of winter begin to fade, gardeners eagerly await the opportunity to turn the soil and sow seeds. Here's a guide to help you make the most of the cooler weather by planting a variety of vegetables and herbs that thrive in these conditions.
Vegetables
Peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, celery, leeks, onions, and turnips are all excellent choices for early spring planting. These cool-season vegetables can be sown directly into the garden or planted as starts, depending on their specific requirements.
Peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and beets can be sown as early as 12-14 weeks before the average first frost date, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures to grow robustly. Broccoli, cabbage, and kale, on the other hand, are best planted from starts at about 10-12 weeks before frost to ensure they have a good chance of maturing before the weather warms up.
Herbs
Parsley, cilantro, dill, chervil, chives, thyme, sorrel, and lemon balm are all herbs that can be planted in early spring. These herbs should be sown 4-5 weeks before the last spring frost to give them a head start before the warmer weather arrives.
Tips for Success
Starting broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and celery indoors before transplanting can improve their success rates. This allows them to grow strong roots and develop larger, healthier plants before being moved to the garden.
Nasturtiums, with their bright, cheerful blossoms, can be planted in early spring for a stunning display that blooms almost the entire year in some areas. These vibrant flowers also attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Violas, with their cute blossoms in bright shades, can be planted in early spring and deadheaded as they wilt to make room for new flowers. These pretty flowers add a touch of colour to your garden and are a delight to both gardeners and pollinators.
Note
While this guide provides a general overview of early spring planting, it's important to remember that specific zone and local climate conditions may affect frost dates. Adjusting for regional frost dates is advisable to ensure the best possible results.
So, instead of asking "Are we there yet?" during road trips, gardeners can look forward to the early spring as the perfect time to plant a bountiful crop of cool-weather vegetables and herbs. Happy gardening!
[1] Source: Garden Guides [5] Source: Almanac
Tammy can start sowing peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and beets in her home-and-garden plot 12-14 weeks before the first expected frost date to make the most of the cooler weather. Meanwhile, she should plant parsley, cilantro, dill, chervil, chives, thyme, sorrel, and lemon balm as herbs, sowing them 4-5 weeks before the last spring frost for a head start.
