Top 10 Best Plants to Grow in Your Garden This Early Spring

Early spring is the perfect time to get your garden ready for a season of growth and color. The soil is warming up, and many plants thrive when planted now, giving you a head start on a vibrant garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, choosing the right plants for early spring can make all the difference. I’ve gathered a list of the top 10 best plants to grow in your garden this early spring, focusing on ease, beauty, and productivity.

A variety of leafy greens and radishes

1. Peas

Peas are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in early spring. They tolerate cool weather well and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. Snap peas and snow peas are great choices for fresh eating or cooking. Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Peas also enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, which benefits other plants.

2. Spinach

Spinach thrives in the cool temperatures of early spring. It grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times by picking outer leaves. This leafy green is packed with nutrients and perfect for salads or cooking. Sow seeds directly into the garden, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Keep the soil moist for best germination.

Radishes!

3. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that mature in about 3 to 4 weeks. They prefer cooler weather, making early spring ideal for planting. Radishes add a peppery crunch to salads and are easy to grow in small spaces. Sow seeds thinly in rows and thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce is another cool-weather favorite that grows well in early spring. There are many varieties to choose from, including leaf, romaine, and butterhead types. Lettuce prefers loose, fertile soil and consistent moisture. You can start seeds indoors or sow directly outside. Harvest leaves as needed to encourage continuous growth.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that does well when planted in early spring. It prefers cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts. Start broccoli seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplant seedlings into the garden. Provide plenty of sunlight and water regularly for the best heads.

6. Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that benefits from early spring planting. They need loose, sandy soil free of stones to grow straight and long. Sow carrot seeds directly into the garden, spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart. Carrots take longer to mature, usually around 70 to 80 days, but early planting ensures a good harvest before summer heat.

7. Onions

Onions can be planted from sets, seeds, or transplants in early spring. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Onions need consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. Plant sets about 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart. Early planting gives onions time to develop large bulbs before the heat of summer.

8. Garlic

Garlic is typically planted in late fall, but in milder climates, early spring planting works well too. It requires loose soil and plenty of sunlight. Plant individual cloves pointed side up, about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Garlic takes several months to mature, so early planting is key for a good harvest.

9. Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic early spring crop. They grow best when planted in cool soil, about 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Use certified seed potatoes to avoid disease. Cut larger potatoes into pieces with at least one eye each and plant them 4 inches deep. Potatoes need loose, well-drained soil and consistent watering.

10. Tomatoes

While tomatoes are often associated with warm weather, starting them indoors in early spring is essential for a successful harvest. You can begin gardening planting tomatoes indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the soil warms and nights stay above 50°F. Choose disease-resistant varieties and provide support like cages or stakes.

garden bed with leafy green seed starts

Tips for Successful Early Spring Gardening

• Prepare your soil by adding compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

• Check your local frost dates to time your planting correctly.

• Use row covers or cloches to protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps.

• Water consistently but avoid overwatering, which can cause root problems.

• Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests.

  
  

Starting your garden with these plants gives you a mix of quick-growing vegetables and those that will mature later in the season. This approach keeps your garden productive and enjoyable throughout spring and into summer.