Enjoying a Productive Early Spring Garden: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Yard
Spring is upon us, and for gardeners, it's the perfect time to get started on planting a variety of vegetables and herbs. Here are some tips for early spring gardening, focusing on cool-season crops that thrive in cooler soil temperatures.
Direct Sow Before Last Frost
Many vegetables can be sown directly into the soil before the last frost. These include peas, arugula, radishes, lettuce (leaf varieties), spinach, mustard greens, bok choy, carrots, beets, collards, leeks, scallions, parsnips, rutabagas, and cilantro.
Set Out Starts (Seedlings) Before Last Frost
For plants that prefer warmer soil temperatures, it's best to set out starts (seedlings) before the last frost. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, celery, fennel, and onions.
Herbs to Sow 1-2 Weeks Before Last Frost
Certain herbs, such as dill and parsley, should be sown 1-2 weeks before the last frost. Parsley can also be sown 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Soil Temperatures for Sowing
Cool-loving vegetables generally prefer soil temperatures between approximately 40°F to 60°F (4.5°C to 15.5°C) for good germination. Peas and arugula thrive in cooler soil and can be sown as soon as the ground is workable, often when soil temperatures are around 40°F (4.5°C) or higher. Lettuce seeds should be planted in moist soil about 2-4 weeks before the last frost, at soil temperatures near 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C). Kale and mustard seeds are sown 1-6 weeks before the last frost, germinating within 5-10 days in cool soil – typically above 40°F (4.5°C). Onions and parsley seeds are best sown 4-6 weeks before the last frost, with germination depending on soil warmth, ideally above 50°F (10°C).
Timing is Key
To maximize germination and growth before warmer weather sets in, it's important to time your planting carefully. Many vegetables and herbs should be sown 6-12 weeks before the last frost for direct sowing, and 4-12 weeks before for setting out starts or planting certain herbs.
Gardening Tips
As you prepare for early spring gardening, be sure to clean and organize your cultivation tools, inspect your seed supply, and sow seeds in pots or plant seeds indoors. Don't forget to check the soil temperature with a soil thermometer to ensure it's at the right temperature for sowing your chosen crops.
Bonus Tips
- Sweet peas (edible) seeds can be sown when soil is at least 34°F.
- Nasturtiums can be planted and bloom almost the entire year in some areas, from early spring through Thanksgiving.
- Violas can be planted and bloom for months on end.
- Bachelor's Buttons can be planted and rebloom in autumn, reseeding abundantly.
- Radishes can be planted when soil hits 39°F, and they can be grown in multiple lines for multiple harvests.
- Carrots can be planted up to three weeks before the last spring frost date in a very sunny location.
- Lettuce seeds can be sown when soil is at least 40°F.
- Beets can be planted when soil temperature hits 40°F, and they can be harvested for leaves before the beet roots are ready.
With careful planning and timing, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of cool-season crops in the early spring. Happy gardening!
Turn your home-and-garden into a haven this spring by planting cool-season crops in your garden. Sow peas, arugula, radishes, lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, bok choy, carrots, beets, collards, leeks, scallions, parsnips, rutabagas, cilantro, dill, and parsley, as they thrive in the cooler soil temperatures of early spring. On the other hand, plant broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, celery, fennel, and onions as seedlings, as they require warmer soil temperatures. For optimal results, be mindful of the suitable soil temperatures and timings for sowing, and ensure a bountiful harvest in your lifestyle of gardening.
