What to Plant in Early Spring: A Guide to Get Your Garden Ready for the New Season
As the last wisps of winter fade away, it’s time to start thinking about planting in early spring. This is a great time to get a head start on the growing season, and with the right plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest and a beautiful garden. However, not all plants are created equal, and some are better suited for early spring planting than others. In this article, we’ll explore what to plant in early spring and provide you with a comprehensive guide to get your garden ready for the new season.
Choosing the Right Plants for Early Spring
Before we dive into specific plants, it’s essential to choose the right ones for early spring. Here are some factors to consider:
- Climate: Check the average last frost date for your area to determine when it’s safe to plant. In general, spring will start around late March or early April in most regions.
- Soil: Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. Most plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Weather: Keep an eye on weather forecasts to ensure you’re planting at the right time. In most regions, spring is characterized by warm temperatures and increasing daylight hours.
Summer Vegetables to Plant in Early Spring
Here are some of the best summer vegetables to plant in early spring:
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden vegetables, and early spring is an excellent time to plant them. Look for varieties like ‘Early Girl’ or ‘Patio’, which mature in about 60-70 days.
- Peppers: Bell peppers and sweet peppers are excellent choices for early spring planting. They mature in about 70-80 days.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a warm-season crop and thrive in the spring. Look for varieties like ‘Slicing’ or ‘Pickling’, which mature in about 50-60 days.
- Carrots: Little Finger and Danver’s Half-Long are two popular varieties of carrots that do well in early spring.
- Radishes: Radishes are quick-growing and can be harvested in as little as 20-30 days. They’re a great choice for early spring planting.
Brassicas for Early Spring
Brassicas are a great choice for early spring planting, as they mature quickly and can be harvested in as little as 50-60 days. Here are some popular brassicas to consider:
- Broccoli: ‘Deep Purple’ and ‘Waltham 29’ are two popular varieties of broccoli that do well in early spring.
- Cauliflower: ‘Snow Crown’ and ‘White Dot’ are two popular varieties of cauliflower that mature in about 60-70 days.
- Kale: ‘Red Russian’ and ‘Lacinato’ are two popular varieties of kale that do well in early spring.
- Collard Greens: ‘Curly-Leaf’ and ‘Red-Leaf’ are two popular varieties of collard greens that mature in about 50-60 days.
Herbs for Early Spring
Herbs are a great choice for early spring planting, as they add flavor and fragrance to your garden. Here are some popular herbs to consider:
- Basil: ‘Genovese’ and ‘Sweet Basil’ are two popular varieties of basil that do well in early spring.
- Cilantro: ‘Fast Bud’ and ‘Thai Scarlet’ are two popular varieties of cilantro that mature in about 20-30 days.
- Mint: ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Fern’ are two popular varieties of mint that do well in early spring.
- Parsley: ‘Curled’ and ‘Flat-Leaf’ are two popular varieties of parsley that mature in about 20-30 days.
Flowers for Early Spring
Flowers are a great way to add color and beauty to your garden in early spring. Here are some popular flowers to consider:
- Lilies: ‘Tahiti’ and ‘Heart Trigger’ are two popular varieties of lilies that mature in about 60-70 days.
- Daffodils: ‘Casa Blanca’ and ‘Spindrift’ are two popular varieties of daffodils that mature in about 60-70 days.
- Pansies: ‘Phantom’ and ‘Rapunzel’ are two popular varieties of pansies that do well in early spring.
- Violas: ‘Lilac Sky’ and ‘Turkestan’ are two popular varieties of violas that mature in about 20-30 days.
Tips for a Successful Early Spring Garden
Here are some tips to keep in mind when planting in early spring:
- Check the weather: Before planting, check the weather forecast to ensure it’s safe to do so.
- Soil preparation: Test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. Add organic matter like compost or manure to improve soil fertility.
- Start seeds indoors: Start seeds for cool-season crops like broccoli, kale, and carrots indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
- Transplant seedlings: Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden.
- Keep it watered: Keep the soil consistently moist during the early spring planting season.
Conclusion
Early spring is a great time to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. By choosing the right plants, preparing the soil, and following some simple tips, you can get a head start on the growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, early spring planting is a great way to get your garden ready for the new season. Happy gardening!