10 Vegetables to Plant In the Spring

Looking for some easy and delicious vegetables to plant in the spring garden? Here are 10 tasty options to try…

Lush green lettuce, fresh kale, crisp radishes, and vibrant carrots—there’s nothing that excites a home gardener more than growing your own delicious fresh veggies! 🙂  If you’re planning to grow vegetables at home this year, spring is usually the best time to get started. A wide range of veggies grow perfectly in the spring, making it the ideal time to kick off your garden season (although this may vary a bit depending on your location and climate).

However, finding the right vegetables to plant in the spring is important for success with your gardening venture. There are also a few other things you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure the growing experience goes seamlessly.

So, read on for some key factors you need to consider before sowing the first seed, followed by ten of the best vegetables you can grow with minimal effort this spring!

3 Important Factors to Consider Before Planting in the Spring

Before planting, you must consider a few factors to ensure a successful harvest. Here are three of the most vital tips you should keep in mind for spring planting:

  • Hardiness Zones and Frost Dates

Hardiness zones and frost dates will help you determine the best time to plant your spring vegetables. Consult the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine your zone and find out the average last frost date for your area. However, there are a few things that your gardening zone won’t tell you, so you’ll want to keep these things in mind as well.

  • Soil Requirements

The quality of your soil is another critical factor to consider. Vegetable gardens require fertile, well-draining soil to thrive. Consider adding organic matter, like compost or manure, to enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth.

  • Companion Planting and Using the Best Seeds

Companion planting involves pairing vegetables that grow well together to benefit each other’s growth. When selecting seeds, look for high-quality seeds from reputable sources. High-quality seeds are more likely to produce strong, healthy plants. If you’re on a budget, try these suggestions for getting your seeds online with free shipping.

10 Best Vegetables to Plant in the Spring

Once you’ve taken the previously mentioned variables into account, now’s the time to decide on the veggies you want to grow! We’ve listed ten tasty vegetables here based on their popularity, usage, and ease of growing in the spring season – plus a few interesting facts you may not know. (Click the link for each vegetable for a more detailed growing guide.)

#1) Lettuce

Lettuce is a great spring garden vegetable that can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. It grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 30 days. With its many varieties, lettuce can provide a wide variety of textures, colors, and flavors to brighten up your salad bowl!

Fascinating fact: Lettuce is one of the oldest vegetables in the world, dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was considered a sacred plant.

#2) Potatoes

Potatoes are easy to grow and can produce a bountiful harvest with minimal effort. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, and spring is the ideal time to plant. Plant seed potatoes in early spring and expect a harvest in 90 to 120 days.

Fascinating fact: Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world, with China being the largest producer.

#3) Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a hardy and nutritious spring garden vegetable that can tolerate both heat and cold. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and can be harvested continuously throughout the season.

Fascinating fact: Swiss chard is a relative of beets and is also known as “silverbeet” in some countries.

#4) Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing, easy-to-grow spring vegetable – and one of my favorites! They are perfect for beginner gardeners or for those with limited garden space. Radishes can be harvested in as little as 21 days and come in a range of colors and shapes.

Fascinating fact: Radishes are a member of the mustard family and are believed to have originated in Asia.

#5) Carrots

Carrots are a staple in many gardens and can be grown throughout the year in many climates, although they do prefer slightly cooler weather, so it’s best to plant in either early spring or fall. They require well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Plant seeds in early spring for a summer harvest.

Fascinating fact: The average American consumes around 8 pounds of carrots each year.

#6) Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be grown in the spring garden. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and can be harvested in as little as 60 days. Broccoli prefers cool temperatures and moist soil, so spring is an ideal time to plant.

Fascinating fact: Broccoli was first cultivated in Italy and has been a popular vegetable in Europe since the Roman Empire.

#7) Kale

Kale is a trendy superfood that is also easy to grow. It is a member of the cabbage family and is packed with vitamins and minerals. Kale can be grown in the spring and fall and can be harvested continuously throughout the season. With a bit of protection such as a simple low tunnel, kale can even live throughout the winter in many areas of the United States!

Fascinating fact: Kale was once a common ornamental plant in Europe, and it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became a popular food crop.

#8) Beets

Beets are a nutritious root vegetable that can be grown in the spring garden. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can be harvested in as little as 50 days – and they make two crops in one, as you can also eat the tender, nutritious greens as well as the roots. Beets prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

Fascinating fact: Beets have been used since the Middle Ages for their medicinal properties, and were even used as a natural dye for clothing.

#9) Peas

Peas are another ideal spring vegetable, as they prefer cool weather, and are hardy even under a light frost. They produce a harvest fairly quickly – usually within 40-60 days, and they can be quite productive. Plant them directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, as they will typically stop producing when the weather gets hot. Even just a few plants can provide a bountiful harvest, and they can also be grown vertically on a fence or trellis, so they are great for those with limited space!

Fascinating fact: Peas are a member of the legume family, so they are related to all types of beans, as well as vetch and peanuts.

#10) Asparagus

The only perennial vegetable on this list, asparagus is the quintessential spring vegetable. Asparagus can take up to three years to begin to produce a sizable harvest, but once established, can produce for up to 20 years.

Fascinating fact: Asparagus is a member of the lily family and is one of the few vegetables that grows wild in many parts of the world.

The Bottom Line

These ten easy-to-grow spring veggies will provide a quick and delicious harvest for your table until the bounty of the summer garden kicks in. Do you have any other favorites? Let us know your favorite vegetables to plant in the spring in the comments section below!

Rose S.

An avid gardener since childhood, I love sharing my passion for gardening with others! I have gardened in a number of different climates and settings, from large fenced garden plots, to tiny patio and container gardens, and I firmly believe that everyone can learn to grow at least some of their own food - no matter where you live. Growing your own food can help you take control of your own health and food supply, and there has never been a better time to get started!


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