Early Spring Planting: Cool-Weather Vegetables for a Head Start

Don't wait for frost-free dates to start gardening. Cool-weather crops can be sown weeks before the last frost, extending your harvest season and satisfying that early-spring planting urge.

Carrots

Sow directly in well-prepared, stone-free soil as soon as it's workable. Thin seedlings early for straight roots. Harvest young for the sweetest flavor—overmature carrots become woody.

Lettuce

Easy and fast-growing, lettuce thrives in cool temperatures. Try mesclun mixes for variety. Plant in early spring; it bolts in summer heat. Interplant with perennials—lettuce finishes as they emerge.

Spinach

Sow directly in early spring, repeating every 10 days until warm weather arrives. Protect from rabbits with chicken wire or bloodmeal barriers. Spinach appreciates cool roots and consistent moisture.

Peas

Vertical growers that maximize space, peas climb trellises or netting. Plant early in rows, mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist. Harvest frequently for continued production until heat stops them.

These four vegetables represent just the beginning—explore radishes, beets, kale, and more to create a diverse early garden that maximizes your growing season.