Fast-Growing & Cold-Hardy Picks
Welcome Spring with Early Veggies
There’s something magical about that first real hint of spring. The days get longer, the air smells fresher, and the soil, finally thawed, is ready for planting. As a longtime gardener and a father whose grown kids still love coming over for a home cooked meal with fresh herbs and veggies, I can tell you—this is one of my favorite times of the year.
After a long winter, there’s nothing better than getting my hands in the dirt, planting those first seeds, and watching them sprout. And if you’re as eager as I am to get your garden going, let’s talk about the best early spring vegetables you can plant right now!
Why Early Spring Planting is Worth It
Gardening in early spring might seem ambitious, but trust me, it’s one of the best ways to make the most of the growing season. Cold-hardy vegetables thrive in cool temperatures, and some even taste better when kissed by a little frost. Plus, getting an early start means you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce while the rest of the world is still dreaming about summer tomatoes.
If you’re impatient (like me), you’ll love how quickly some of these vegetables grow. And if you’ve got kids or grandkids around, this is a great way to show them the magic of gardening—watching tiny seeds turn into something edible in just a few weeks is pretty amazing.
Fast-Growing & Cold-Hardy Vegetables to Plant Now
These early spring champions don’t just survive in cooler weather; they thrive in it. Let’s dive into my favorite early-season vegetables and how to get them growing in your garden.
Peas: The Sweet Taste of Spring
Peas are the quintessential early spring vegetable. They love cool weather, and nothing beats the sweet, crisp taste of fresh-picked peas straight from the vine. I remember my kids as little ones, stuffing their pockets full of sugar snap peas as they “helped” me in the garden. Even now, they ask if I’ve planted them yet.
How to Grow Peas:
- Plant directly in the garden as soon as the soil is workable.
- Use a trellis or stakes to support climbing varieties.
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvest when pods are plump and crisp.
Best Varieties: Sugar snap peas, snow peas, and shelling peas.
Lettuce: Crisp & Quick to Grow
Lettuce is the gift that keeps on giving. It grows fast, doesn’t mind the chill, and can be harvested over and over again. Plus, homegrown lettuce is worlds better than the stuff from the store—crisp, flavorful, and never wilted.
How to Grow Lettuce:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden or in containers.
- Space them about 6 inches apart.
- Water regularly to keep the leaves tender.
- Harvest by snipping outer leaves so the plant keeps producing.
Best Varieties: Romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf varieties like Black Seeded Simpson.
Spinach: A Nutritious Cold-Weather Champion
Spinach is another early spring winner. It’s packed with nutrients and grows so fast you can be making fresh salads in no time. Plus, it actually prefers cool temperatures, so now is the perfect time to plant it.
How to Grow Spinach:
- Sow seeds directly into the garden.
- Thin seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart.
- Water consistently to keep the leaves from turning bitter.
- Harvest by snipping leaves at the base.
Best Varieties: Bloomsdale, Baby’s Leaf, and Giant Winter Spinach.
Radishes: The Speedy Garden Treat
If you’ve ever planted radishes, you know they grow fast—sometimes in just three weeks! They’re perfect for impatient gardeners and make a great crop for kids to plant. I used to love watching my kids pull them out of the soil, squealing in surprise at the bright red bulbs hiding beneath the dirt.
How to Grow Radishes:
- Sow seeds directly into the garden.
- Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
- Water regularly to prevent spiciness.
- Harvest when they’re about the size of a marble or golf ball.
Best Varieties: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Easter Egg radishes.
Bonus Picks: Other Hardy Vegetables to Consider
If you want even more variety in your early spring garden, consider these other cold-hardy options:
- Carrots – Slow to germinate, but worth the wait!
- Kale – Sweetens after a light frost.
- Arugula – Adds a peppery kick to salads.
- Green Onions – Easy to grow and perfect for fresh snipping.
Tips for Success: Soil Prep & Frost Protection
Early spring gardening requires a little extra care, but it’s totally doable with the right preparation.
- Prepare Your Soil: Work in compost or aged manure before planting to give your veggies a nutrient boost. Yard Butler's rotary cultivator or twist tiller will make turning the soil a really quick job so you can get to planting faster.
- Mulch for Warmth: A light layer of straw or shredded leaves helps insulate young seedlings.
- Use Row Covers: If a cold snap is coming, drape floating row covers over your plants for protection.
- Water Wisely: Keep soil moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot in cool conditions.
Enjoying Your Early Spring Harvest
One of my favorite things about early spring vegetables is that they bring fresh, homegrown food to the table when you need it most. Whether it’s a simple pea and lettuce salad, homemade spinach pasta, or just munching sugar snap peas straight from the vine, there’s something special about eating what you’ve grown.
For me, gardening isn’t just about the vegetables—it’s about the joy of growing, the memories made along the way, and the connection to the seasons. So, if you’re itching to get outside and start planting, go for it! Your garden (and your dinner plate) will thank you.
Happy planting, and here’s to a delicious early harvest!