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You’ll get the most bang for your buck with these best spring vegetables to plant: leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, root crops including radishes and carrots, and cool-season favorites such as peas and broccoli.
These vegetables thrive in spring’s mild temperatures and can reach your plate in as little as 30 days for fast-growers like radishes.
Start with onions, which act as natural pest deterrents while growing alongside your other vegetables.
Plant kale and Swiss chard for nutritional powerhouses that keep producing throughout the season.
Our guide reveals which varieties deliver exceptional harvests with minimal garden space.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Spring Vegetable Basics
- Top 10 Spring Vegetables
- 1. Bonnie Plants Hydroponic Lettuce Mix
- 2. Bok Choy Plants Ready to Plant
- 3. Mix Red Yellow White Onion Sets
- 4. Organic Green Onion Seeds
- 5. Seeds of Change Red Cherry Radish
- 6. Live Asparagus Bare Root Plants
- 7. Live Artichoke Plant Vegetable
- 8. Green Bell Pepper Plants
- 9. Bonnie Plants Big Boy Tomato Plants
- 10. Chard Plants Ready to Plant
- Cool Season Crops
- Easy Spring Options
- Fast Growing Spring Choices
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the easiest plant to grow in spring?
- What vegetables can and cannot be planted next to each other?
- When should I start planting my garden in the spring?
- In what order should I plant my vegetable garden?
- What are the best vegetables to grow in April?
- When should a spring garden be planted?
- What vegetables are best to plant in spring?
- What vegetables can you plant in the spring?
- What vegetables go well with celery?
- Are spring vegetables easy to grow?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll get the quickest harvests from fast-growing vegetables like radishes, spinach, and lettuce, with some ready in as little as 25-30 days after planting.
- Your garden will benefit from including both perennial vegetables (asparagus, artichokes) and annual ones, creating a mix of immediate and long-term harvests that can last for up to 20 years.
- You should focus on cool-season crops like leafy greens, root vegetables, and peas that thrive in spring’s mild temperatures and cooler soil conditions.
- You’ll maximize your garden’s productivity by using succession planting techniques, especially with vegetables like green onions, which can be harvested and regrown 4-5 times.
Spring Vegetable Basics
You’ll find leafy greens, root crops, and perennials are the main types of spring vegetables that thrive in your garden.
These early-season plants need cool soil and moderate temperatures to produce the best harvests.
Cool soil and moderate temperatures are the secret to spring vegetable success in your garden.
Leafy Greens and Their Characteristics
Starting your garden with leafy greens delivers quick, nutritious harvests.
Spinach nutrients include vitamins B6, B9, and C, while lettuce varieties thrive in cool weather with minimal care.
Chard benefits include vitamin C and iron, requiring just 2-3 weekly waterings.
Kale cultivation needs 6-inch spacing and partial sun exposure.
Asian greens and arugula round out your options, all preferring cooler temperatures for ideal growth, with quick and nutritious harvests being key benefits.
Root Vegetables and Their Cultivation
While leafy greens brighten your spring garden, root vegetables work their magic underground.
Carrots, beets, radishes, onions, and turnips need loose, well-drained soil for proper development.
Soil preparation is key—remove rocks and break up clumps before planting.
Most root vegetables need consistent watering but hate soggy conditions.
They’re generally low-maintenance, with fewer pest control issues than other crops.
Once harvested, proper storage methods keep your root vegetables fresh for months.
Perennial Vegetables and Unique Crops
Perennial vegetables return year after year, saving you time and money in your garden.
Asparagus cultivation requires patience but rewards with tender spring shoots for decades. Rhubarb offers tart stalks perfect for pies, while fiddlehead ferns provide unique spring treats when properly prepared.
Sorrel adds lemony zip to traditional sorrel soup, and nettles deliver powerful health benefits despite their sting. These plants establish permanent spots in your spring vegetable list.
Consistent watering helps, as does applying organic mulch through methods found at applying organic mulch, which is a key factor in maintaining a healthy garden with perennial vegetables and ensuring they thrive with proper care.
Top 10 Spring Vegetables
You’ll find these ten spring vegetables easy to grow and perfect for your garden this season.
These plants offer a mix of leafy greens, root vegetables, and perennials that thrive in spring conditions and provide nutritious harvests for your table.
1. Bonnie Plants Hydroponic Lettuce Mix
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You’ll regularly enjoy fresh salads year-round with Bonnie Plants Hydroponic Lettuce Mix. This convenient kit includes two Amanda Green Leaf and two Red Leaf lettuce seedlings, specially grown for hydroponic systems like the Miracle-Gro Twelve.
The peat-based plugs (3.5cm × 3.5cm × 4.5cm) won’t break apart in water. These pre-grown seedlings cut down your harvest time compared to starting from seeds.
When ready for your garden, plant them about 1′ apart in moist soil. During warm weather, water almost daily for the first two weeks to help establish strong roots.
Best For: Indoor gardeners and salad lovers seeking fresh, year-round lettuce with minimal effort using hydroponic systems.
- Pre-grown seedlings save time compared to planting seeds.
- Compatible with the Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System.
- Provides tender, diverse lettuce varieties for salads.
- Requires a hydroponic system for optimal use.
- Transplanting seedlings needs careful spacing and watering.
- Not suitable for traditional soil gardening without extra care.
2. Bok Choy Plants Ready to Plant
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For cool-weather gardens, Bok Choy plants offer impressive versatility and nutrition.
These ready-to-plant seedlings mature in just 35-45 days, giving you quick results with minimal effort.
You’ll appreciate their rich vitamin A, C, and K content when harvested. Each plant yields 1-2 pounds at maturity and thrives in both containers and garden beds with 6 inches of spacing.
They need consistent moisture and 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Harvest outer leaves first to extend your yield.
The miniature varieties handle warmer temperatures better, making them perfect for spring or fall planting, with minimal effort and great nutrition.
Best For: Beginner and experienced gardeners looking for a quick-growing, low-maintenance, and nutrient-rich vegetable suitable for small spaces or containers.
- Requires consistent moisture to prevent dryness.
- Vulnerable to pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
- Limited storage time after harvesting, up to 1 week.
- Fast-growing and harvestable in 35-45 days.
- Nutrient-dense with vitamins A, C, and K.
- Thrives in both containers and garden beds.
3. Mix Red Yellow White Onion Sets
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With just one mix of red, yellow, and white onion sets, you’ll get a variety pack that covers all your culinary needs.
These easy-to-grow bulbs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them 3 to 6 inches apart in rows.
Each variety offers distinct flavors – red onions for salads, yellow for cooking, and white for raw dishes. Harvest in 90-120 days when tops fall over.
Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, these non-GMO sets provide up to 288 bulbs depending on package size. Rotate crops yearly for best results.
Best For: Home gardeners and cooking enthusiasts looking for easy-to-grow onions with diverse flavors and colors.
- Includes a variety of red, yellow, and white onion flavors for versatile cooking.
- Easy-to-grow and ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- Non-GMO and provides up to 288 bulbs per package.
- Requires crop rotation to avoid soil diseases.
- Needs regular weeding and consistent watering for healthy growth.
- White onions have a shorter shelf life compared to other varieties.
4. Organic Green Onion Seeds
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These SEEDZ Organic Green Onion Seeds offer impressive value with about 550 seeds per pack.
You’ll grow tall green onions with silvery white stalks that add mild, crisp flavor to your dishes.
They thrive in full sun and reach maturity in 56-60 days.
The seeds are USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, and heirloom variety with high germination rates.
Keep soil moist with a pH of 6.0-7.0 for best results.
You can harvest from April through November, and they’re resistant to Pink Root and Smut diseases.
Best For: Home gardeners and cooking enthusiasts looking for organic, high-yield, and disease-resistant green onions.
- USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, and heirloom seeds with high germination rates.
- Grows tall onions with a mild, crisp flavor and silvery white stalks.
- Resistant to Pink Root and Smut diseases, with a long harvest season from April to November.
- Requires regular soil maintenance to maintain a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Full sun exposure is necessary, limiting indoor growing options.
- Maturity takes 56-60 days, which may feel slow for some gardeners.
5. Seeds of Change Red Cherry Radish
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Speedy growth makes Seeds of Change Red Cherry Radish a garden MVP. These organic, non-GMO seeds sprout within days and reach harvest size in just 25 days.
You’ll enjoy crisp, vibrant red radishes with mild peppery flavor that work well in salads and sandwiches. They tolerate poor soil and dry conditions, making them perfect for beginners.
The edible leaves offer bonus nutrition in your meals. Plant them in full sun and watch as almost every seed produces a healthy plant.
Even kids find these easy-to-grow radishes fun to cultivate and eat, and the fact that they are organic and non-GMO makes them a great choice for families, plus they are ready in just 25 days.
Best For: Families, beginner gardeners, and urban farmers looking for fast-growing, organic, and versatile radishes.
- Organic, non-GMO, and pesticide-free.
- Fast growth with harvest in 25 days and high germination rates.
- Tolerates poor soil and dry conditions, perfect for beginners.
- Overplanting may require thinning due to high germination rates.
- Some seeds may not develop proper roots despite healthy leaves.
- Not ideal for cold weather or poorly prepared soil.
6. Live Asparagus Bare Root Plants
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Investing in live asparagus bare root plants offers a gift that keeps giving for up to 20 years.
These perennial vegetables require patience—you’ll wait 2-3 years before harvesting full spears—but the payoff is worth it.
Plant crowns 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Space plants 12-18 inches apart and water 1-2 inches weekly.
Once established, they need minimal maintenance. Popular varieties include Jersey Knight and Purple Passion.
For best results, mulch regularly, fertilize annually, and harvest spears when they reach 6-10 inches tall.
Best For: Home gardeners and vegetable enthusiasts looking for a long-term, low-maintenance perennial crop with high yield potential.
- Long-lasting harvest, up to 20 years with proper care.
- Requires minimal maintenance after establishment.
- Nutritious and rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
- Initial waiting period of 2-3 years before full harvest.
- Requires well-drained soil and specific planting conditions.
- Susceptible to frost damage in early growth stages.
7. Live Artichoke Plant Vegetable
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While often overlooked by home gardeners, artichoke plants offer both architectural beauty and delicious harvests.
These silvery-green perennials thrive in zones 7-11 but can be grown as annuals in cooler regions.
Each plant produces 8-10 edible flower buds annually and can live 5-8 years with proper care.
You’ll need full sun, well-drained soil with pH 6.0-6.8, and regular watering.
Harvest buds when firm and tight for best flavor.
For cold climates, try growing them in containers that can be protected from frost.
While often overlooked by home gardeners, artichoke plants offer both architectural beauty and delicious harvests.
These silvery-green perennials thrive in zones 7-11 but can be grown as annuals in cooler regions.
Each plant produces 8-10 edible flower buds annually and can live 5-8 years with proper care.
You’ll need full sun, well-drained soil with pH 6.0-6.8, and regular watering.
Harvest buds when firm and tight for best flavor.
For cold climates, try growing them in containers that can be protected from frost.
Best For: Home gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and a healthy, delicious harvest.
- Produces 8-10 edible flower buds annually with proper care.
- Thrives in both garden beds and containers for flexibility.
- Perennial in warm climates, offering harvests for up to 5-8 years.
- Requires full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent care for optimal growth.
- Not frost-resistant, limiting growth in cold climates without protection.
- Susceptible to pests like aphids and slugs, requiring monitoring.
8. Green Bell Pepper Plants
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Many gardeners consider green bell peppers a must-have spring crop.
Plant these seedlings 18-24 inches apart in full sun for ideal growth. They’ll need staking as they develop, especially when the fruit load increases.
Green peppers tolerate light frost and adapt well to hot weather, making them more resilient than you might expect.
They’re excellent container plants, particularly in fall and winter in zone 7 and southward. With a harvest time of 75+ days, your patience will be rewarded with sweet, versatile peppers perfect for slicing, stuffing, and freezing.
Best For: Gardeners looking for a resilient, sweet-flavored crop that thrives in hot weather and adapts well to container planting.
- Requires staking as the fruit load increases.
- Needs full sun to thrive.
- Long harvest time of 75 days.
- Tolerant of light frost and hot weather.
- Heavy yield over the growing season.
- Ideal for slicing, stuffing, and freezing.
9. Bonnie Plants Big Boy Tomato Plants
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Growing the perfect sandwich tomato is easy with Bonnie Plants Big Boy. These indeterminate vines produce smooth, bright red fruits weighing up to 32 ounces that’ll make your mouth water.
You’ll enjoy a continuous harvest from mid-season until frost, with each plant reaching maturity 78 days after planting. For best results, place them in full sun and provide sturdy support for those heavy-yielding vines.
Their crack-resistant skin and universally liked flavor make Big Boy a backyard garden staple. Consider companion planting benefits to enhance growth and deter pests.
Just remember to water consistently and harvest regularly to keep the tomatoes coming.
Best For: Gardeners who want large, flavorful, crack-resistant tomatoes with continuous harvests for sandwiches and cooking.
- Requires staking or cages for support.
- Needs consistent watering and care to maintain fruit quality.
- Heavy production may require effort to harvest and manage.
- Continuous fruiting from mid-season until frost.
- Smooth, crack-resistant, bright red fruits weighing up to 32 oz.
- Excellent for sandwiches due to size and flavor.
10. Chard Plants Ready to Plant
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Ready-to-plant chard delivers a quick path to garden success with minimal effort.
Ready-to-plant chard opens the door to garden success with vibrant leaves and minimal effort required.
These vibrant plants come in stunning varieties like rainbow, red, and Swiss, each offering glossy green leaves with colorful stems.
You’ll need well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0 and should water daily after transplanting until they develop 10-15 leaves.
Chard thrives in cool weather but can handle summer heat with proper care.
Harvest the young, tender leaves for salads, soups, and stir-fries, yielding up to a pound of nutritious greens, making chard a garden workhorse.
Best For: Gardeners of all experience levels looking for an easy-to-grow, nutritious, and visually appealing leafy green.
- Easy to grow and tolerates cooler temperatures.
- Continuous harvest throughout the season with proper care.
- Vibrant colors add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Requires daily watering during early growth stages and hot periods.
- Susceptible to aphids and other pests without monitoring.
- Needs proper soil pH and regular fertilization for optimal growth.
Cool Season Crops
You’ll find that crops like spinach, kale, and lettuce thrive in the cooler spring temperatures before summer heat arrives.
These vegetables grow best when planted early in the season and will reward you with nutrient-rich harvests that can withstand light frost.
Planting Artichokes and Asparagus
Artichokes and asparagus make excellent companions in your spring vegetable garden. These perennial powerhouses share similar soil needs while offering different harvest times.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Space artichokes 6 feet apart as they can grow 8 feet tall
- Plant asparagus crowns in trenches with 12-inch spacing
- Both prefer full sun and tolerate wet soil
- Fertilize twice yearly with blueberry fertilizer
- Harvest artichokes when buds are tight but fully formed
For continuous harvests, consider succession planting techniques in the fall, which can help with succession planting.
Growing Beets and Broccoli
After establishing your perennial crops, beets and broccoli deserve spots in your spring garden too.
Beets thrive in cooler soil with pH 6.0-7.0 and can be planted from mid-April.
Space broccoli plants 18 inches apart for proper growth.
Both benefit from companion planting—try beets with onions and broccoli with herbs to deter pests naturally.
Consider different beet varieties for best results.
You’ll enjoy nutritious harvests while mastering spring vegetable gardening basics.
Benefits of Planting Kale and Peppers
While broccoli thrives in your cool spring garden, kale and peppers offer unique benefits too.
Kale packs vitamins A, C, E, K and can be planted 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
It germinates in soil as cold as 40°F and gets sweeter after frost.
Peppers bring variety with hot banana and shishito options that perform well in hot weather.
Try companion planting them with basil or spinach to enhance flavor and repel pests.
Easy Spring Options
You can start growing these easy spring vegetables with minimal effort and still enjoy a bountiful harvest.
These beginner-friendly options include quick-growing radishes, nutrient-rich swiss chard, versatile carrots, and green onions that can be sown in succession for continuous yields.
Planting Peas and Radishes
While cool-season crops thrive in chillier temperatures, peas and radishes are perfect spring companions for your garden.
Plant radishes with 1-inch spacing for proper growth, and sow pea varieties like Sugar Snap or Snow Peas 1-inch deep.
These early spring crops deter pests naturally when planted together. You’ll enjoy quick results too—radishes mature in just 3-4 weeks, while peas follow about 60 days after planting.
Consider purchasing quality seeds for ideal growth. Harvest both regularly for continuous yields, and remember that proper growth and quick results are key to a successful garden.
Growing Swiss Chard and Carrots
Moving from peas and radishes, let’s look at two more easy spring vegetables.
Swiss chard and carrots make perfect garden partners.
Carrots need loose, rock-free soil about 4-6 inches deep.
Chard contains vitamin C and iron, planted 6 inches apart in partial sun.
For pest control, try companion planting them together.
Cool-season crops like these thrive in the spring.
Both offer great nutritional benefits and simple harvesting tips for spring vegetable gardening success.
Successive Sowing of Green Onions
Plant green onions in small batches every 7-10 days for a continuous harvest throughout the season.
This succession planting technique guarantees you’ll never run short of these versatile spring vegetables.
Each planting matures in 6-8 weeks, and you can regrow them 4-5 times before flavor declines.
Maintain proper onion spacing (9 bunches per grid square) and consistent moisture for best results.
Fast Growing Spring Choices
You’ll find that fast-growing spring vegetables like radishes and spinach can go from seed to harvest in under 30 days.
These quick crops let you enjoy fresh produce while waiting for slower-growing vegetables to mature.
Planting Beets and Turnips
After exploring easy spring options, let’s talk about two fast-growing champions for your garden.
You’ll love how quickly beets and turnips transform from seed to harvest. Both root vegetables thrive in cool spring soil and can be ready in just 30-50 days.
When preparing soil, loosen it deeply for straight roots. Different beet varieties offer unique colors, while turnips provide excellent nutrition with both edible roots and greens.
Growing Potatoes and Broccoli
After planting beets and turnips, you’ll want to add potatoes and broccoli to your spring garden lineup.
These fast-growing spring vegetables offer quick rewards with proper care.
- Choose seed potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Norland for spring planting in soil with pH 5.8-6.5
- Space broccoli plants 18 inches apart for ideal head development
- Use companion planting with herbs to naturally control potato beetles and cabbage worms
To acquire the right cultivars, you can purchase certified varieties for the best results in your spring garden.
Benefits of Early Spring Planting for Nutrient Rich Harvests
While potatoes and broccoli thrive in your spring garden, early planting offers even more rewards.
You’ll enjoy nutrient-dense harvests when you start seeds in early spring.
Your vegetables develop better flavor enhancement thanks to slower growth in cooler temperatures.
Early crops face fewer pests, improving pest resistance naturally.
The extended harvest from spring vegetable gardening maximizes your garden’s productivity while building soil health through continuous root development.
Best spring vegetables planted early simply taste better and provide an opportunity for continuous root development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the easiest plant to grow in spring?
Despite what you might think, radishes are your easiest spring growing option.
You’ll see results in just 3-4 weeks, and they need minimal care while adding a peppery crunch to your meals.
What vegetables can and cannot be planted next to each other?
You’ll want to keep tomatoes away from brassicas but pair them with asparagus. Plant carrots near peas but not dill. Onions help beets grow but harm beans and peas.
When should I start planting my garden in the spring?
Prepare for perfect planting as spring starts.
You’ll want to begin after the last frost date in your region, typically mid-April for most areas.
Check your local climate zone for specifics.
In what order should I plant my vegetable garden?
Plant cool-season crops first (lettuce, spinach, radishes), followed by semi-hardy vegetables (carrots, beets), and finally warm-season plants (tomatoes, peppers). You’ll maximize your growing season by following nature’s timeline.
What are the best vegetables to grow in April?
Nearly 80% of home gardeners start carrots in April.
You’ll succeed with cool-season crops like peas, spinach, radishes, and lettuce.
Don’t forget onions, beets, and early turnips – they’ll thrive in your spring soil.
When should a spring garden be planted?
You should start your spring garden in mid-March to early May, depending on your climate zone.
Early crops like lettuce and spinach go in as soon as soil can be worked.
What vegetables are best to plant in spring?
You’ll succeed with leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, kale and arugula.
Root vegetables such as radishes, carrots and beets also thrive in spring’s cool soil.
Don’t forget peas – they’re perfect early-season crops.
What vegetables can you plant in the spring?
As spring’s tender fingers awaken the soil, you can plant leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, kale), root vegetables (carrots, radishes, beets), and perennials like asparagus.
Don’t forget peas and early herbs too!
What vegetables go well with celery?
You’ll find celery pairs perfectly with onions, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and mushrooms in soups and stir-fries.
It also complements cabbage, beans, and brassicas in garden beds, creating flavorful combinations while deterring pests.
Are spring vegetables easy to grow?
Yes, most spring vegetables are very easy to grow.
You’ll find leafy greens like spinach and lettuce particularly forgiving, while radishes mature quickly.
Even beginners can enjoy success with minimal effort and basic care.
Conclusion
Growing the best spring vegetables to plant will transform your garden into an unstoppable food factory.
With fast-growing radishes ready in 30 days and nutritional champions like kale and Swiss chard, you’ll enjoy fresh harvests for months.
Mix in pest-deterring onions and space-efficient lettuce varieties for maximum yield.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, these ten vegetable winners deliver exceptional taste, nutrition, and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Start planting today and watch your spring garden thrive.
